JEAN IRVING BARNES, 97, formerly of Fort Wayne, left this earth and went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Gifford, Ill. Born in New Haven, Ind., on July 26, 1925, she was the daughter of Ralph and Grace Irving. Her father founded Irving Ready-Mix. A 1943 graduate of North Side High School in Fort Wayne, she went on to graduate from DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind., in 1947, with a degree in Sociology. She married Robert E. Barnes in Dec. 1948 and served as his support for 53 years as they served churches in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. She began her career teaching Weekday Religious Education in Indianapolis and later taught first grade for 25 years in Willowick and Delta, Ohio. After retirement, they relocated to San Jose, Calif., to be close to two of their sons and for Bob to serve as Pastor to Seniors at Central Christian Church. She raised three sons and was a great encouragement to each of them and their wives. That spirit carried over to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a strong, gentle presence and was always a strength and support to her family. Jean is survived by sons, Jim of Prague, Czech Republic and Dick of Champaign, Ill.; grandchildren, Stephanie Barnes (Steve) Dorsey, Jennifer Barnes (Ben) Newell, Lindsay Barnes, Jordan (Sarah) Barnes, and Elizabeth Barnes (Jared) Armistead; and five great-grandchildren, Maggie, Sebastian, Abigayle, Emerson, and Hadley. She is additionally survived by nephews, Tom (Linda) Irving, Jerry (Marla) Irving, Dan (Ginger) Lawrence, and Randy (Kim) Lawrence; and niece, Judy (Tom) McKeever. She was preceded in death by granddaughter, Kimberly; husband, Bob; son, Jeff; and daughter-in-law, Gayle. Services will be held in Los Gatos, CA where she will be laid to rest.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Oct. 9, 2022.