Barbara Joan (Kindhart) Carnes — O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Barbara Joan (Kindhart) Carnes, 84, of Liberty, passed away at 1:30 am Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Barbara was born January 26, 1941, in Clayton, IL to Troy and Grace “Imogene” (Lamma) Kindhart. On December 28, 1958, Barbara married the love of her life, Bobby “Bob” A. Carnes, in a beautiful ceremony in Clayton, IL. Their enduring partnership was blessed with three wonderful children and a lifetime of memories, and they recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. Bob survives her, carrying forward the legacy of their love.

Barbara’s nurturing spirit extended to her three children, Brenda Whatley (Paul), Bryan Carnes (Ruth), and Barry Carnes (Debbie). She was a beacon of wisdom and support for her nine grandchildren, Holly Scharnhorst (Brett), Kristina Miller (Isaac), Kayla Epley (Brandon), Ashley Oliver (Paul), Bryanna Slater (Austin), Alexis Carnes, Nathan Carnes (Alexiss), Gregory Carnes, and Kiersten Dove (Austin). Her ten great-grandchildren, Finleigh Miller, Emmerson Miller, Connor Epley, Asher Epley, Cora Epley, Paxton Oliver, Hudson Carnes, Brooks Slater, Hendrix Carnes, and Sebastian Carnes, brought her immeasurable joy.

Barbara is also survived by her four siblings, Sharon Cain (Bobby), John Kindhart (Dena), Rhonda Murry (Rocky), and Betty Lou Pulliam; a sister-in-law, Grace Mixer; and a brother-in-law, Richard Carnes. She was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings, Donnie Kindhart, Richard Kindhart, Mae Daggett, Troy Kindhart Jr., Edna Pearl Kelly, Norma Reid, and Shirley Lepper.

A proud graduate of Central High School in 1959, Barbara’s professional life included dedicated service at Motorola. Her commitment to her community was evident through her involvement with Crossing Church 929 and her many years as a volunteer EMT in Liberty. Barbara was an active member of the Liberty Home Extension group and the Retired Ladies Group, where she shared her wisdom and friendship.

Barbara’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. She was a collector of tea pots, an avid reader, and found solace in the melodies of gospel music. However, her greatest passion was her family. She enjoyed the time spent tending to her vegetable gardens, canning the harvest, and sharing the bounty with those she loved. Crafting sessions with her grandchildren were moments of pure happiness, as were the legendary tea parties that became cherished family traditions. She loved quilting, and each family member was graced with one of her beautiful quilts, tangible expressions of her love and artistry.

Barbara’s legacy is one of unwavering devotion to her family, a commitment to her community, and a life lived with grace and kindness. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Friends and Family are invited to Barbara’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A Funeral Ceremony will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Brett Scharnhorst officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch, Central Christian College, or Crossing Church 929.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.