Dear Bud,

it was with great sadness that I heard the news of Barbara's passing.

I hold the fondest of memories of our long-term writing relationship and the wonderful visits we had both in the Netherlands and in Iowa. We shared some wonderful times, enjoyed the stays at the farm, the momentous occasions of wedding anniversary and reception by the mayor of Iowa City as well as the wonderful journeys we did together. We truly all became part of our mutual expanded families, and it is hard to realise that Barb is gone.

I wish you lots of strength in the coming period. I am certain it will be a lot of adjusting to do. Perhaps you will find the strength to travel, and you know that you will be received with open arms here.

Lots of love,

Linda,

I was so sorry to hear about Barb Barnes passing away. My prayers are with all of the family. Barb was very patient and kind to me throughout the years that I spent out on the farm, hanging out, being in her way, and causing drama. She will be greatly missed!

Our heartfelt sympathy to Bud and family. It's always hard to think about saying goodbye to someone as special as Barb. At the same time, I think about all the memories from the many good times we shared between the Robertson's and the Barnes'. I'll never forget growing up with the "Card Club". Those grownups sure knew how to have fun. We always knew who had the best hand by all the hootin' and hollerin' that erupted from time to time. Of course it was fun for us kids because the grownups were occupied and didn't know what we were up to.

Even though I came into the Barnes Family through marriage when I was five, Grandma from the first day I met her never treated me any different. Grandma treated me just like the other grand-kids from day one.

Grandma and I favorite movies to watch were three men and a baby and man from snowy river. When we would go back to Iowa all of us grand-kids would sit down with Grandma and watch those movies over and over. We would start laughing during three men and baby at Grandma because her favorite part was when they slammed down the baby powder and it went all over the place. She would laugh so hard and then us kids would be laughing at her!!

I am going to miss her cheese and cabbage dish that she would make. I loved it and I hate cabbage!

I know she is in a better place and watching over us until we all can join her. As my little girl says (Molly Mae) don't worry Mommy she is an angel now.

I will miss you dearly Grandma! Love you.

Larry, Barb's eldest son, and I go way back. From playing a duet on our clarinets in front of an elementary school assembly, to high school football and wrestling teams, to canoing and fishing the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. And through it all, Barb was able to put up with all our teenage stupiditys. Yes, that last word was plural. What kept her cool when our brainiacs were uncovered was her love for her children and even the few idiots that became buddies with her children. I am sure I am alive, at least out of jail, due to her parental guidance.

Bud, Larry,Steve, and Linda,

As a young child growing up in the neighborhood I remember your mom driving us kids to swimming lessons, going trick and treating, meeting the school bus and attending sporting events. She was so sweet and loving to her boys and then to a daughter. I can only say at this sad time in your lives that your family was truely, deeply blessed to have her as a gift from God. She was an Angel.

My memory of Barbara will always be a joyfull one, I wish the family all the best to overcome this loss, my deepest condolences for Bud.

My grandmother was the sweetest woman I have ever known. I can remember sitting at the doctors office waiting for grandpa to bring the car around and grandma looked at me and said " 60 years ago I married my best friend and it was the best decision I ever made. It allowed me to have 5 wonderful children that have grown to have children of their own. I have the best family in the world and I almost feel guilty that I have been so blessed!" Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are that you are no longer here to share in the memories. I will be sure to remind Mya What a beautiful person you were And how much you loved her every day. We will miss you so much. You were the strongest woman I have ever known And I feel blessed to have had you as my grandmother. Your long battle is over now And may you finally rest in peace. We send you all our love until we meet again...

May I add my words of sympathy to the Barnes family? I met Tim's mom when we did Brigadoon together and she never ceased to amaze me. She was very supportive of Tim and the nephews throughout much theater. I doubt she missed many of her brother's performances either. Her presence will be missed in the community. My sympathies to the whole family.

Here's the rest of my letter:

January 1, 2012

Dear Barbara Barnes:

It is so hard to hear that you are gone. When I heard you were in the hospital, I called and talked to Carla. When she told me it was just a matter of time, I cried. I offer my deepest condolences to all of your family. But I know we all have to go through this, and I take comfort in knowing that soon you and I will be together again. Enough about sorrow, I am going to remember the wonderful times we had together in this life.

We met when we were both in 4-H, and we went to City High together. There was this big group of rural friends: Besides you and Joann, there were Eunice, Vivian and Arlene Lacina, Lorna, Evelyn and Pauline Dohrer, Dorothy Slemmons, Ruth Ann Opfel, and others from time to time. We attended City High games together, played softball, had teen parties, went May-basketing, and of course, attended the 4-H show at the County Fair. We had lots of fun growing up. We got to know all of the Paulus family including Joe and Gertrude, Robert and little Richie. When we graduated we joined Junior Farm Bureau where we had our meetings, trips, and parties, and it was there that we paired off with our husbands.

Barbara, I was thrilled when you asked me to be in your wedding with Bud Barnes, and you delayed your honeymoon so you could be in my wedding with John Dane. We both had 5 kids about the same time: You had Larry, Steve, Bruce, Linda, and Timm, and we had Jim, Peg, Donna, Jack, and Helen! We had a Rural Euchre group, and a Rural Bridge group. We watched our children grow up, marry, and have our Grandchildren. We each even have Great-Grandchildren, and you got to hold all 4 of yours. You have such a great sense of humor which always made everybody happy. Some of the best times I will always cherish are when you invited me and John over for supper, and we would have a game of cards afterward. Barbara, I miss you!

Your friend, Allie Dane (more)

A lot of great memories came back thinking about our families spending Thankgivings and Christmas's together at Granma's and Grampa's. Aunt Barb always lit up the room with her big smile and cheerful laugh.

I've never forgotten her saying that in late October "it wasn't an official world series if the New York Yankees weren't in it"!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and we wish we could be there with you.

Dear Bud and family,

Our deepest sympathy is sent to you all. Several fond memories from my childhood included Barb, Fourth of July Parades and Picnics, Memorial Day Picnics, Card Parties and Dances. I know Mom & Dad were both very grateful for Barb & Bud's friendship over the years. Hope they are kicking up their heel's dancing and playing a mean game of bid uker together. May they stay at the head table together and their tally always be high.

Bud you and the entire family our in my thoughts.

Our deepest sympathy is sent to you all. Several fond memories from my childhood included Barb, Fourth of July Parades and Picnics, Memorial Day Picnics, Card Parties and Dances. I know Mom & Dad were both very gratefully for Barb & Bud's friendship over the years. Hope they are kinking up their heel's dancing and playing a mean game of bid uker together. May they stay at the head table together and their tally always be high.

Bud you and the entire family our in my thoughts.

Mr. Barnes, Larry, Steve, Bruce, Linda, Tim and families,

To Linda & Linda & Joey and all the Family

So Sorry For your Great loss We really know what this is like for we both have been through it in the pass .

We will keep you and all the family in our prayers

Barbara, you will be missed, you brought so much joy to the family. Always would hear you and bud at the games and so proud of all your kids!!!!!!

It's never easy losing a loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I hope that you find peace in knowing that Miss Barbara is in a wonderful, loving, Heavenly place. Love you, Nana Lana

The family likely doesn't know who I am since I have been away from Iowa since graduation from UI. Barbara was a high school classmate -- a bright and wonderful person. I've had the pleasure of seeing her several times at class reunions through the years. I learned of her passing from Jim Sangster who alerted many classmates by e-mail.

To The Family of Barb,

Our sympathy is sent to each of you at this time. I always enjoyed chatting with your mom and dad at wrestling meets, football games...and Hy Vee. They both were your biggest cheerleaders!

Know that our warmest hugs surround you today and always. and know that we care.

Kenny, Linda (Sexton), Dustin and Kelsi Fobian

Andy Courtney and Bryson Eckrich

Dear Linda and Family,

Grandma,

You will be greatly missed by everyone around you. Everyone that meet her fell in love with her because that was how special our grandmother was. Rest in peace and we will see you agian. Love you Grandma

My dear Barbara, what a life you had and what a personality. I will never forget the first time we met 1977, the first kid from those Dutch penpals your mother used to write with.

You took me in like a long lost son, and I have always regarded you as my American mother ever since!

I know you enjoyed the family and you did everything for them. The joy you had when yet another graduation came and then when the grandchildren became parents themselves, the weddings and the fun with friends.

You were the matriarch of the Barnes family, and you'll be missed down here. Up there they will welcome you with open arms.

Till we meet again!

What a wonderful family you raised. Thankfully are daughter Lacey married your Grandson Brandon. Your family is your greatest tribute.