Betty J. Barnes, age 90, of Stevens Point, died October 5, 2014 at the Portage County Health Care Center.

Betty was born June 2, 1924 to the late Neal and Helen (Parrish) Bibler in Lancaster, OH. She grew up there, attended the local grade school, and graduated high school in 1942.  After high school, Betty worked at a local bank for 4 years as a bookkeeper until her marriage to John Barnes on June 8, 1947. They were married at the First Methodist Church in Lancaster, OH. He preceded her in death in 2006.

Betty and John moved to Athens, OH and later to St Paul, MN where John finished his graduate studies. In 1956 they settled in Stevens Point, where Betty dedicated her life to family, faith, and volunteering in the community.

She was an active member of St Paul’s United Methodist Church where she participated in United Methodist Women and Ruth Circle. She was a Past Matron of Arbutus Chapter #52- Stevens Point, OES and a Past Mother Advisor of Stevens Point Assembly #1, Rainbow for Girls.

Betty provided piano accompaniment for many organizations and will be remembered for playing for sunrise church services at the local drive-in theater. She enjoyed reading, singing, and music of all kinds. Betty was known for remembering birthdays, anniversaries, acknowledging illnesses and sending cards for all occasions. If you never received a card or note from Betty Barnes, you would be the exception.

Betty also had a competitive nature. Those who played croquet, cards, or board games with her knew she would give them a challenge.  Betty did not like to lose.

Survivors include her son, Thomas (Janet) Barnes of Rogers, AR; daughters, Rae (Jim) Canfield, Plover, and Sarah (John) Tsai of Taipei, Taiwan; 6 grandchildren, Veronica (Jordan Soyka) Barnes, Jennie (Travis) McMahon, Scott (Beth) Canfield, Julie Canfield, Melissa Tsai, and Jeffrey Tsai; 1 great grandson, Travis McMahon; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 5 older siblings.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Boston Funeral Home, concluding with an Order of Eastern Star Ritual. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at St Paul’s United Methodist Church. Visitation will precede the service at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Wisconsin OES Grand Chapter Office, 36275 Sunset Dr, Dousman, WI 53118-9349, and designated for either World of Youth Scholarships or the American Diabetes Association Research Foundation. Online Condolences may be made at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Portage County Health Care Center and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.