Alice Barnes

Alice J. Barnes, of Danville, passed into glory on May 16, 2023 at Carle Methodist Unity Point Hospital in Peoria, IL.

Alice was born on Feb. 16, 1937 to Arthur and Otillie (Lierman) Leisch. They preceded her in death, along with her sister, Saundra Carter, and a niece, Joyce Doss. Alice was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She graduated from Immanuel Lutheran School and Danville High School. She attended Concordia Teachers College.

She married Donald R. Barnes on Nov. 17, 1956. They celebrated their 62nd anniversary shortly before his passing in April 2019. During their marriage, they were blessed with 5 children, with whom they traveled to many parts of the country, preferring the parks, natural sights, and wonders of America.

Alice attended numerous baseball and basketball games; as well as concerts and plays in which her children were involved. She was a homemaker and a devoted mother to her children. She was always there for them whenever they needed to talk or just an ear to listen. She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and school, having served on the Altar Guild for 40 years, as a kitchen volunteer, an Athletic Booster, and a member of the Tuesday morning Bible Class. She also volunteered as a church organist. For several years after retirement, she and Don became active members of the Vermilion Festival Chorus and the U of I Oratorio Society. They traveled to Europe on four separate occasions. Alice proudly served for forty years as an election judge in Danville and later in Ogden, IL.

Alice also loved reading, solving Sudokus, crossword puzzles, Jumbles, and jigsaw puzzles.

Alice is survived by four of her children: Pamela Barnes, Penelope (Bruce) Garrison, Dr. Stephen (Dawn) Barnes, and Thomas (Karen) Barnes. A son, Stuart, preceded her in death in October 2020.

She was a loving grandma to six grandchildren: Matthew (Ella), Sarah, and Rachel Garrison; Dr. Christopher (Emily) and Connor (fiance Elisa) Barnes, and Michael (fiance Jenna) Barnes. She delighted in their visits and phone calls. They will miss her smile and her sense of humor.

Alice is also survived by a sister-in-law, Kathleen (Robert) Wakeley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton, IL for their care, compassion, and friendship over the past seven months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1930 North Bowman Avenue, Danville, Illinois 61832. Pastor James Yonkers will officiate. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 5-7:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 and one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be made in Alices memory to the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Please join Alices family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .