Lois May (Smith) Barnes

Lois May (Smith) Barnes was born on March 17, 1930, in rural Dallas County, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Helen (Grimm) Smith.  She was raised and educated in the area of her birth, graduating from high school and then receiving her BA degree in Education from the University of Northern Iowa.   Lois moved to Eagle Grove and started teaching in Eagle Grove in 1951. 

      On March 17, 1961, Lois was united in marriage with George Barnes at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.  The couple made their home in Eagle Grove and raised two sons, Robert and Ed.  George preceded her in death on October 11, 2003.

      Lois was an elementary school teacher in Eagle Grove until retiring after 38 years, in 1988.  She spent the last few years residing at Windsor Manor in Webster City – where she received wonderful care and she truly enjoyed living. Lois was also under the great care of Kindred Hospice the last several months.

        Lois was a long-time member of the United Church of Christ.  She was passionate about supporting community projects, volunteering, dogs and traveling.  Lois loved reading until the very end, having family read to her when she was no longer able.

       Lois passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021. at Windsor Manor in Webster City, with her son and grandson beside her, at the age of 91 years.  She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Robert Barnes; brother, Raymond Smith and brother-in-law, Vernon Soderstrom.

      Survivors include her son, Ed Barnes and wife Missi of Goldfield; grandson, Todd Wieth and wife Cassie of Goldfield; two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Audrey Wieth; sister, Alta Soderstrom of Boone; sister-in-law, Mildred Smith of Stanhope; one niece; four nephews and their families.

      Visitation will be Tuesday, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove.  Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, July 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove. 

   Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

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