Barnes, Estelle B.

Estelle B. Barnes, 85, of Monmouth died at 12:35 P.M. Friday, March 20, 2009 at her home.

Estelle (Evers) was born in Stanwood, Cedar County, IA on August 16, 1923 to Otto and Bertha (Bixler) Evers.  She was the youngest of five children.  Her oldest sister, Caryl, married Edward Chorlian of Egypt and Long Island.  Her brother, Lorance, was an Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat specialist. He married Kathryn (Field) and moved to Bend, OR to join a Medical Clinic.  Doris married Howard Werner then Burny6 Dusch, a Naval Warrant Officer.  They moved to San Diego to be near their youngest sister, Bethany, who then married John Mickey and later William Engle, a retired Lt. Colonel. Both Doris and Bethany became retired business women.  Estelle’s father when but twenty, served as president of the Citizens Bank before merging with the Union Trust & Savings in Stanwood, IA.  He became executive vice-president of both when they merged a few years later as The Union Trust and Savings Bank, eventually with a branch in nearby Olin, IA.

Estelle attended Elementary, Junior High and High School in Stanwood.  She graduated valedictorian of her class of 20 at the age of 16.  Her family attended the United Presbyterian Church.  This was why the children all attended Monmouth College.  Estelle enjoyed college very much having for her roommate Evelyn Myers from Lisbon, IA.  It was here she met Bud Barnes, her future husband.

After two years, in the midst of World War II she transferred to Iowa State University in Ames, IA and graduated with a BS Degree in Home Economics.  This was a pleasant experience.  Doris Hanson was her roommate for the remainder of her college life.  Estelle graduated from ISU in March of 1945.  Her first teaching experience was teaching home economics and science at West Branch High School in West Branch, IA.  Instead of continuing her teaching career, Estelle left for California to live with her sister, Bethany.  She took a position to teach home economics at Memorial Junior High school in San Diego, where the students represented several multi-cultured backgrounds.

Estelle married Verne “Bud” Barnes on September 18, 1946 in Stanwood, IA. following his honorable discharge form the U.S. Army.  Bud was in the food business with Bob Rawson, his father, Verne Franklin Barnes and his uncle “Rennie”.  Bud and Estelle lived in Monmouth in an apartment at 412 N. B St. for one year   then moved to a larger apartment at 322 N. Main St.  When a newly built house became available at 502 College Manor in 1948, they bought it for their family home and lived there over 50 years.

Children born to the couple were: Jennifer in 1947, Mark in 1950, Blake in 1954, Lance in 1957 and Heidi in 1960.  They are all living and married.  All were excellent students, reaching Bachelor and extended degrees.  The three boys were valedictorian’s , Mark, Phi Betta Kappa, also obtained the “Order of the Coif” from his University of Illinois Law School.  Jennifer received her Masters Degree for the  University of Arizona, Doctor Blake Barnes graduated from Dental school at the University of Iowa. Lance received his Masters Degree in business at the University of Indiana and Heidi has added teaching experiences and hours to her teaching degree.

When Heidi was in the 4th grade Estelle accepted a Title I teaching position with Monmouth’s School District #38.  The main thrust was solving reading problems.  She took classes at Western Illinois University and attained her Masters Degree in reading as well as a Learning Disabilities Degree.  She retired in 1987 and until the year 2000 substituted in local elementary schools.

A special interest of Estelle’s was participating in the American Association of University Women Art Presenter Program.  She served as a presenter for 5 years then became the coordinator for 6 years.  The “Hall of Achievement” award was presented to Estelle in 1999, for her volunteer work with children.  For many years Estelle taught kindergarten classes at the First Christian Church, helped with Bible School and served 5 terms as deaconess.

Other organizations to which Estelle gave her time include: A.A. U.W., P.E.O. Chapter L.E, Delta Kappa Gamma- a teachers honorary,  Kappa Kappa Gamma National Fraternity, she served on the Stewart House Foundation Board which included the purchase, restoration and place of the home on the National Register of Historic Places.  At Monmouth College she participated on the Crimson Clan and served on the Alumni Board for 6 years.

Survivors include her husband, Bud Barnes of Monmouth; 5 children, Jennifer (Mike) Stauth of Jackson, Wy., Mark (Becky) Barnes of Cordova,  IL., Blake (Nancy) Barnes of Mason City, IA., Lance (Becky) Barnes of Onalaska, WI and Heidi (Tom) O’Kane of Creston, IA; 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings

Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at the First Christian Church of Monmouth with Rev. James Epperson officiating.  Friends may call Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the First Christian Church where her family will be present from 5:00-7:00 P.M.  Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church of Monmouth, Monmouth-Roseville Education Foundation or the Kappa Kappa Gamma Stewart House.  Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Monmouth is in charge of the arrangements

 

Online condolences may left at hooverhall.com.