Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Barnes, 76, of Monroe City, MO passed away at 4:45 am Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Monroe City Manor Care Center in Monroe City, MO.
 A Memorial Service was 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the O’Donnell- Thurman Life Celebration home in Monroe City, MO. Father Greg Oligschlaeger will officiate.
 Friends and Family are invited to Betsy’s Life Celebration at a visitation that was from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the O’Donnell-Thurman Life Celebration Home in Mon­roe City, MO.
 Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of the O’Donnell-Thurman Life Celebration Home in Monroe City, MO.
 Betsy was born August 1, 1948, in Edina, MO, the daughter of Charles Thomas and Margaret Mary Pauline Early.
 She was married to Donald “Don” Barnes, who survives on December 20, 1969 in Baring, MO .
 Betsy was a 1966 graduate of Knox Co. High School. She attended Northeast MO. State University, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and then her master’s from Northeast Mo. State University in 1988. She worked in the field of education and mental health for many years. She was employed by the Missouri Department of Mental Health at the Hannibal Regional Center from 1986 until 1995 as a case manager and assistant director. She finished her career as Executive Director of the Pike County Agency for the Developmentally Disabled from 1995 until her retirement in 2013.
 Betsy enjoyed traveling, from their annual trips to Arizona, to the charms of Ireland, she made countless memories and had many stories to tell.
 Betsy found great joy in the twists and turns of “Murder She Wrote” and “Matlock.” She was often found with a book in her hand, reading several each week.
 Above all, Betsy’s heart belonged to her grandchildren, whom she loved deeply.
 Other survivors include her 2 sons Grant (Brenda) Barnes, of Hartland, WI, Chris (Erica) Barnes, of Palmyra, MO; 4 grandchildren, Rebecca and Connor Barnes, of Hartland, WI., Truitt and Austee Barnes of Palmyra, MO., 3 brothers, Charles Early, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Robert (Marianne) Early of Winnebago, IL, and Dr. Terry (Carla) Early, of Guadalajara, Mexico, 4 sisters, Eileen (Gary) Snow of Princeton, MO, Katie Branham, of Ashland, MO, Dr. Bridget Early, of Ashland, MO, Theresa (Steve) Early of Minneapolis, MN.
 Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, and 1 sister Barbara Vreeland.
 Betsy was Catholic by faith.
 Memorial contributions may be made to the Down Syndrome Guild in Kansas City, MO or the Alz­heimer’s Association.
 Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellThurman.com.