Obituary: Barnes, Linda C.
Age 75
Born on December 16, 1937 to Ralph and Margaret Clark (later Ludeke), Linda was a tireless organizer, philanthropist, and devoted mother and grandmother.
She graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Health Education from University of Washington in 1960.
She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Linda enjoyed playing sports with family and friends and brought joy to any gathering.
She was a natural athlete who liked to snow and water ski, but found the greatest pleasure in the game of golf, a love she shared with Ned Barnes, her husband of 51 years who passed away in April of 2011.
Though she had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, Linda’s more than 7-year battle was a true testament to her physical strength, mental stamina, but in particular her strong faith in Christ.
Through it all she remained positive and ever hopeful and was a role model and inspiration for other patients in the cancer clinic.
Linda was deeply spiritual.
She was a devoted member of Manito Presbyterian Church and generously gave much of her time and energy to helping others in need.
She was instrumental in the formation of the Spokane Interfaith Hospitality Network (now Family Promise), an organization dedicated to helping homeless families get back on their feet.
She also spent time abroad helping to build a water distribution system for a village in South America and was active in her community through the Spokane Junior League, among other charitable organizations.
She had a talent for organizing and entertaining that brought people together with happiness and cheer.
Though she enjoyed travel, Linda regarded Spokane as her true home.
It was here that she built a vast network of close friends who shared the many activities that Spokane’s sportsman’s paradise offers.
She grew up with brothers Ron and Steve and, as a youth, enjoyed spending summers together at their family vacation spot on Spirit Lake.
After marrying, her summer vacations were mostly spent at Ned’s family cabin on Priest Lake where she taught her children to water ski and enjoyed golfing, hiking, and boating.
In recent years, the Priest Lake cabin became a place of annual family reunions where she and her much loved golden retriever Mary Jay took part in many outdoor adventures with her young grandchildren, building memories that will stay with them forever.
Linda’s optimism and zest for life was an inspiration to all who met her.
She was devoted to family and friends and her spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of those many she touched throughout her life.
Linda is survived by her brothers Ron and Steve Clark and their families; her three children and their spouses, Eric Barnes, Karen Barnes (Encinitas, CA), Katie Barnes, Larry Warner (Oakland, CA), and Mitch Barnes, Raquel Vicente Barnes (Madrid, Spain); and her five grandchildren, August Barnes, Evelyn Warner, Quinn Warner, Edwin Barnes and Michelle Barnes.
Memorial services will be held at Manito Presbyterian Church (401 E. 30th Avenue, Spokane) on January 5, 2013 at 1:00 PM.
The service will be followed by a celebration of Linda’s life at Manito Golf & Country Club (4405 S. Perry Street, Spokane).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Family Promise (608 Richard Allen Court, Spokane WA 99202) or Manito Presbyterian Church.
Please visit Linda’s online tribute at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com, and leave a message of condolence.
Arrangements entrusted to