Darleen Faith Barnes

Darleen Faith (Smith) Barnes Beloved sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully entered her heavenly home on December 7, 2024. Born ten minutes after her twin sister Donna Mae on November 22, 1935, at Frederic Hospital, Darleen embraced a life of faith and service, always grounded in her deep-rooted belief in Jesus Christ. Darleen's spiritual journey began at Eureka Baptist Church, where she accepted Christ as her Savior on March 21, 1948, at age 12. She understood that her salvation was not by her own deeds but by the grace and power of God. She was baptized two years later, on April 23, 1950, by Pastor Harold Salseth. After graduating from St. Croix Falls High School in 1955, Darleen and Donna Mae pursued careers in healthcare at Frederic Hospital. Their shared journey continued when they moved to St. Paul in 1961, dedicating 36 years of service at Midway Hospital. During this period, Darleen met her beloved husband, Don Barnes, at The Fourth Baptist Church Bible Institute, where both she and Donna Mae completed two years of study. Darleen and Don married on February 24, 1975, cherishing 19 years together until his passing in 1994 just months after they bought their house. Darleen was a gifted musician, taking accordion lessons at Thorgard Anderson Music Store and later uplifting many family gatherings alongside Donna Mae and Don. Her music brought joy, especially during Christmas and family celebrations. After Don's passing, her niece LeeAnn lived with her for two years while attending Hamline University, just a few blocks away. LeeAnn encouraged her to keep playing her accordion, which brought her joy and peace. Together, Darleen and Donna Mae enjoyed enriching experiences at various churches, Bible conferences, and camps. They were part of numerous congregations, including Highland Park Baptist and Central Baptist, where they found community and purpose. After Don's passing, they joined Rose Hill Alliance Church and later returned to Central Baptist, participating actively in senior activities. Donna Mae moved in with Darleen in 1997, where they lived together until Donna Mae's passing on August 12, 2024. Darleen is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Evelyn (Thayer) Smith, brothers Donald and Daniel Smith, sisters Ruth Nutt and Donna Mae Smith. She leaves behind a loving family including her brothers Paul Smith (Avon Park, FL) and Leslie Smith (Taylors Falls, MN), sisters Ann Mullins (Mesa, AZ), Rose Peterson (Blaine, MN), and Lois Lott (Superior, WI), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews who will carry on her legacy of love and faith. Darleen's insurmountable spirit and unwavering faith will be deeply missed yet forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her. Her life was a testament to grace, love, and dedication to both her family and her faith. Funeral service Wednesday, December 18th at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM) at Central Baptist Church; 420 N. Roy Street, St. Paul, MN. Internment Roselawn Cemetery, Roseville, MN

Tributes

Darleen Faith Barnes

November 22, 1935 - December 7, 2024

Tributes

Darleen Faith Barnes

November 22, 1935 - December 7, 2024

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