Barbara Anne Barnes

Barbara was born in Adrian, Michigan, to Charles and Ruth Ruesink. She graduated from Adrian High School before earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Wayne State University. On June 23, 1956 she married the love of her life, Dr. Bradley Barnes, beginning a remarkable marriage that spanned 70 years. Together they built a home filled with love, welcoming not only their own children but also opening their hearts through adoption and foster care, touching the lives of countless children along the way.

After raising her children, Barbara earned her MSW and worked as a social worker in family therapy at Rochester Area Neighborhood House (RANH) and Oakland Family Services.

Barbara was a woman of boundless energy and compassion. She found joy in birding, gardening, and tandem biking with Brad, creating many cherished memories together. Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. She faithfully participated in Bible study, served as both junior and senior high church youth advisor, attended 30+ years of family camp/Bicycle Odessey, and held numerous leadership roles at First Congregational Church, Rochester, including serving as moderator.

Her commitment to serving others extended throughout the Rochester community. Barbara volunteered with Rochester Community Schools, served on the school board, and was President of the PTA. She was actively involved with the Upper Room youth gathering, the Rochester Area Youth Assistance (RAYA), and was a passionate advocate for developing and expanding Rochester's bike paths. She also dedicated countless hours volunteering with the RANH and participated in mission trips to Guatemala and Pine Ridge, sharing her faith through service.

Above all else, Barbara treasured her family. She created lifelong memories by taking her grandchildren on a special trip when they turned ten years old—a tradition that reflected her desire to build lasting relationships and celebrate each grandchild. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, welcoming heart, steadfast faith, and extraordinary commitment to making her community a better place.

Barbara is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 70 years, Dr. Bradley Barnes; her children, Brenda (Stuart) Barnes Jamieson, Karen (Jay) Mitchell, and Doug (Susan) Barnes; her foster children, Patti (the late Mike) Laine, Phillip (Susan) Guadagni, and Vince (Christine Conrad) Guadagni; her grandchildren, Andrew Barnes Jamieson, Rachel Barnes Jamieson, Adam Mitchell, Lucas (Theresa) Mitchell, Justine (Kevin) Fedde, Corianne (Nick) Pulda, Cameron (Kate) Barnes, and Hannah Barnes; her great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Isabella, Avery, MacKenzie, Amos, Dexter, Hayden, and Hudson; and her siblings, David (Lou Ellen) Ruesink, Thomas (Karen) Ruesink, Dorothy (John) Johnson, and Paul Ruesink.

She was preceded in death by her beloved adopted son, Daryl Robert Bannab, and her brother, Donald Ruesink.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48307.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Rochester, 1315 N. Pine Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Congregational Church, Rochester’s Pastor’s Fund (Please add a note: In memory of Barbara Barnes) or Rochester Area Neighborhood House (RANH).