Grace Diane (Barnes) Ward

Grace Diane Barnes was born May 24, 1956 in Yuma, Arizona, the second daughter to parents Rev. W. Norris and Jeanne (Gordon) Barnes. After Grace’s mother’s death from polio that same year, Rev. Barnes moved the family to a new Methodist pastorate in La Mesa, California. There he met and married Dorothy Seals. Over the years four more siblings were added to Grace’s family and they moved within California from La Mesa, to Vista, Yorba Linda and then Downey as Rev. Barnes continued his career as a United Methodist pastor.

Grace graduated from Downey High School in 1974 and obtained a BA and teaching credential in Music Education from Cal State Univ. Fullerton. During this time, Grace met the love of her life, Michael Ward. They were married August 25, 1978 and resided in Downey. Grace and Mike enjoyed 23 years together but, sadly, Mike died unexpectedly in 2002 and Grace never remarried.

Grace’s career in music education spanned 35 years in the Santa Ana Unified School District, where she brought the joy of singing to students in schools at the elementary and high school levels. Her tireless efforts, cheerful disposition and love of her students was recognized in 2012 with a “Teacher of the Year” award. In addition, while teaching full time, Grace earned her music MA degree in 2005.

Outside her teaching role, Grace sang with the Opera Pacific Company, Christmas caroling quartets and provided voice lessons. Grace also brought her talents in music together with her Christian faith by serving as a soloist and music director for the congregation of the Wilshire Presbyterian Church in downtown Los Angeles for over 30 years.

Grace’s mother, Dorothy, passed away in 1989 after a brave battle with cancer. Three years later in 1992, Grace’s father married Eunice Web, who became the third loving mother for the Barnes family. Over the years, Grace developed a special bond of companionship and care with Eunice.

Grace’s earthly life ended much too soon on July 6, 2026 due to complications from a heart ablation procedure. She is survived by her loving family including siblings: Jeanine Bickett, Clifford Barnes, Maureen Upton, Lorena Barnes and Kathy Stanley; as well as extended family, cousins, nieces, nephews and her best friends Curtis and Maureen Byyny.

Grace’s life was filled with music and it brings her family great comfort to know she is singing with the angels in heaven.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Wilshire Presbyterian Food Pantry, w/checks to Wilshire Presbyterian Church, 300 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020