Elizabeth Leora Barnes, 98, of Coldwater passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater, MI.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater, MI with Pastor Isaac Tyson officiating.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater, MI.
She was born May 31, 1926 to Earnest and Alice (Macey) Kipfer in Hattiesburg, MS. Elizabeth attended Coldwater High School where she then pursued her dedicated career of 39 years with Michigan Gas Utilities until her retirement. In February of 1970, Elizabeth married Richard Barnes and he preceded her in death on February 18, 2002.
Elizabeth was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Coldwater since 1975 where she also served as a deaconess and sang in the choir. She was a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Coldwater where she held the title of past Matron six times and held many offices within the grand committee.
Her commitment to her community was further extended by her service as the past Grand Representative of California in Michigan and her membership with the Tekonsha-Rebecca #324. Elizabeth was also both the past Bethel Guardian of Job’s Daughter in Coldwater #78 and Grand Counselor for the state of Michigan.
She was an instrumental member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and out of her passion for singing, she sang with the Sweet Adelines of Coldwater.
Making sure to also find the joys in life, Elizabeth enjoyed making clothes for Barbie dolls and making formals for the Order of the Eastern Star; but above all else, time well spent with her family.
Elizabeth leaves behind her son Thomas (Ann) Rasler of Niles, MI: her grandchildren Heather-Anne Rhodes, Ginger-Lee (Todd) Leahy both of Mishawaka, IN, Brandon Rasler of Niles, MI; her great grandchildren Austin Rhodes of Niles, MI, Alexis Rhodes, Gavin (Baylee) Rasler both Mishawaka, IN, Bella Rasler of Niles, MI; 3 great-great grandchildren Kylo Rhodes of Niles, MI, Emerson Rasler of Mishawaka, IN, Beckham Simpson of Niles, MI; her half siblings Sallie Miller of CA, Thomas Kipfer of Germany; her sister-in-law Carol Kipfer of Coldwater, and her loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Richard, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary (Rodney) Paradine, her brother Jack “Lefty” Kipfer, her stepsisters Clarice Thornberry and Betty Joe Noel.
Memorial donations are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Coldwater, MI.
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