Donna Maria Barnes, 78, of Mexico, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, at Arnold Funeral Home with Minister Jim Seabolt officiating. Visitation is Monday from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home.
Donna was born on Jan.15, 1944, in Mexico, the daughter of Don and Mary Beckett. On Dec. 7, 1962, at Love Street Christian Church in Mexico, she married Robert Lee (Bob)Barnes.
Donna graduated from Mexico High School in 1962. She worked for the City of Mexico from 1977 – 2010, and served as city clerk/ collector for 24 of those years. She was active in the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association, and obtained the level of Master Municipal Clerk.
Mrs. Barnes served two years as secretary for the Missouri City Clerks and three years as the region director for Missouri, Illinois and Kansas. She also served three years on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Records Board and three years as a board member for the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
Donna belonged to the Jaycee Wives, where she held the office of secretary, Region Director of North Central Missouri, Chairman of Fundraising for Wonderland Camp, Co-Chair of the Antique Show, and was a hostess for the Miss Missouri Pageant. She also was a volunteer for the CP School (now the Children’s Therapy and Early Education School).
Donna loved life, with her biggest treasure being her family. What started as a family of 4, has grown to a family of 17, with her being the anchor. She loved spending time with family, preparing wonderful meals and watching the grand-children and great- grandchildren grow and thrive. Donna has an amazing group of supportive friends, with whom she has made many wonderful memories. She also loved traveling, scrapbooking and extended family gatherings at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Survivors include her husband Robert Lee (Bob) Barnes, of the home; one son, Bradford W. (Mary) Barnes of Mexico; one daughter, Denise D. Barnes of Osage Beach; three grandchildren, Sara E. Barnes (Chad Thompson) of Auxvasse, LeAnn M. (Ryan) Walker of Mexico, and Brian A. (Angie) Barnes of Mexico; six great-grandchildren, Melanie, Austin and Annaliese Walker of Mexico, Leon and Lena Barnes of Mexico, and Mason Thompson of Auxvasse; one sister, Linda Keeling of Stafford, Virginia; sister-in-law, Janet (Charles) Ruse of Jefferson City; brother-in-law, Craig (Beth) Barnes of Columbus, Indiana; two aunts, Shirley Beckett of Columbia and Sue Barnes of Centralia; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and many close friends who she could always count on. She is also survived by her special furry child Biscuit, and granddog, Baxter.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Mary Beckett, her in-laws Robert and Ruby Barnes; one brother, Ted D. and his wife Mary L. Beckett; and one brother-in-law, James Michael Keeling. Her special uncle, Jim Beckett, who was like a big brother.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Compassus or Camp Wonderland. Both may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
