It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donna Lee Barnes, 92, on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, in Yakima, Washington, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born on Aug. 5, 1931, in Greeley, Nebraska, to Tom and Elsie Bailey.
Her family later moved to Oregon and eventually settled in Moxee, Washington, in 1946.
Donna was the beloved wife of 74 years to her husband, Maurice Barnes, and the proud mother of their two sons. Donna and Maurice exchanged letters for a short time in 1948 while Maurice served in the United States Air Force. They finally met in person in January 1949. Maurice recalls the first time he saw Donna, she was playing croquet. They were married July 10, 1949, in Moxee, Washington, after 6 months of courtship. Maurice and Donna moved to Bremerton, Washington, in 1953, where they resided until Maurice retired in 1983.
After Maurice’s retirement they relocated to Union Gap, Washington, so Donna could be near her mother, sisters, brother, and many other relatives. Donna had many accomplishments, most notably her marriage to Maurice, her devotion to her family, and the love she had for all those around her.
Donna led a full and active life, enjoying many hobbies. She was an extraordinary cook and enjoyed preparing the most elaborate meals for her family, to include ginormous breakfast spreads, and her world-famous potato salad and German chocolate cake. She also took great pleasure babying her many flowers, fruits, and vegetables in her garden. Each week Donna could be found proudly mowing their large lawn with the riding lawn mower up until her passing.
In her earlier years, she enjoyed bowling, fishing, and camping. Once she and Maurice relocated back to the Yakima area, she enjoyed walking countless miles on the Greenway, sometimes twice a day, with family, but most often with her walking partner and sister, Mary Ann. Some of her fondest memories were RV traveling through 47 of the 50 states with Maurice. In one single trip they hit an impressive 41 states. Perhaps most remarkable was Donna’s vivid recollection. She never missed sending a birthday, holiday, or anniversary card to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family members alike.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Maurice; two sons, Morris (Marilyn) Barnes of Roy and Leonard (Renee Quinn) Barnes of Montesano; her brother, Jim (Sue) Bailey of Goldendale; sister, Mary Ann Champoux of Yakima; five grandchildren: Tiffanee (Ryan) Parson of Montesano, Dominic (Daunell) Barnes of Central Park, Brandon Barnes of Olympia, Malloree (Larry) Fontanilla of Olympia, and Jeremy (Lacey) Huntley of Glenoma; 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Elsie Bailey; sisters, Shirley Schademan, Frances Gohl, and Jane Murphy; and daughter-in-law, Kristine Barnes.
Donna will be remembered fondly by her family and friends for her kind and generous spirit. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Join us in honoring Donna’s bright spirit with a Memorial Service on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at 11 a.m, at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect, Moxee, WA 98936). There will be a viewing prior to the Memorial, at 10 a.m. Following the Memorial Service, a Graveside Service will be held at Holy Rosary Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow the graveside, at Brookside Funeral Home.
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.
