Carolyn Maxine Barnes

Carolyn Maxine McLain Barnes

Carolyn “Kate’ “Grandma Barnes” passed away at her home of 58 years Saturday afternoon, July 1, 2017 surrounded by her family following an extended illness.

She was born in Cates, IN on August 23, 1936 to William Harlan and Eva LaVerne (Richardson) McLain.

Carolyn attended school at Cates, Stringtown, Rabb and graduated from Perrysville High School in 1954. While growing up at Snoddy’s Mill / Stringtown she was a member of the Stringtown Church of God and accepted Jesus as her Savior.

She married Bobby Gene Barnes on June 15, 1957 and moved to Covington. He passed away on September 27, 2003.  Her parents also preceded her.

She is survived by two sisters, Patsy (Bruce A.) Gee and her twin Marilyn (Kevin) Woodrow, both of Covington as well as many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her three children, Kim Martin, Scott Barnes, Joe (Mitzi) Barnes and daughter of the heart, Monice (Brad) Allen, all of Covington.  Also eight grandchildren, Ashley (Blake) Medlin, Jessica (Michael) Lewandowski, Brandon Allen, Clay Martin, Adam Barnes, Logan (Mallory) Allen, Joshua Allen and Faith Barnes.  Also four and ½ great grandchildren, Brook & Maddie Medlin, River Holt, Quinn Lewandowski and baby boy Lewandowski due in October.

She worked at the Covington Manufacturing Co. after high school until she had children. After all her children were in school she worked for the Covington Community School Corporation in the elementary school cafeteria.  She retired in 2000 for health reasons after 31 years, being the first (at that time) to achieve that many years.  Throughout the years she helped in her daughter’s daycare becoming “Grandma Barnes” to many.

Carolyn enjoyed watching kids play sports, especially Middle School aged kids. She spent almost every summer evening for over 55 years watching Covington Little League Baseball & Girls Softball until her health declined.  She was an avid country music lover.  Merle Haggard was at the top of the list.  She loved dogs and cats.  She would often say, “My dogs have always been more loyal to me than most people”.

She was a loving compassionate soul who almost always had a smile & willingness to help you out anyway she could unless you “messed with her grandkids”!

She was the best mom and grandma ever and will be deeply missed until we see her again.

Funeral services: 10:30 A. M. EDT Thursday July 6, 2017 at Shelby Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Harkleroad and Bethany Frost officiating. Vistitation 4:00 to 8:00 P. M. EDT Wednesday at Shelby Funeral Home.  Burial at Snoddy’s Coal Creek Cemetery.  Memorials to Coal Creek Cemetery.  Condolences to the family: www.shelbyfuneralhome.com