Gloria Barnes

Gloria Ann Barnes passed away peacefully and in the company of family and friends on the morning of March 10, 2016, at the age of 72.

Born to Fred and Margaret Roberts on Oct. 15, 1943, Gloria had an older brother and two younger sisters, Richard, Carol and Denise.

Gloria and husband, Claudius, moved their children, Cala and Michael, to Mountain Home in 1973, where they joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The Barneses were quickly integrated into the church as family among the Wilsons, Johnsons, Clayvilles and many others.

Gloria worked in the community as a cake decorator and instructor, day care provider and accountant for Circle K, Bastida Towing, Wilson & Dodge, Elmore County Highway District and SDA Church.

Gloria served her many roles as a sister, mother, grandmother and dear friend with grace and her own unique style. When not teaching the Wilson's parrot, Loro, her trademark laughter, her fierce zest for life drove her down many other of life's roads.

Gloria's wanderlust would take her by horseback, scooter, motorcycle, car, camper van, cruise ship and plane to Europe, California, Idaho, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and many back roads just for the journey and the scenery.

Before having a grandson of her own, Gloria adopted Alyssa, Hannah and Heidi, where she faithfully honored her duty as grandmother to love and spoil them as her own. Her desire to nurture children is borne out by her many successes as daycare provider, Sabbath school teacher and standby mother and grandmother to many.

Gloria's creative outlets also took many forms; cake decorating, painting, crafting in nearly every medium. As co-founding member of the "Orchid Princess Giggle Twins," Gloria took up quilting with her dear friend Linda. Gloria's quilts are cherished gifts among her family and friends.

Gloria is survived by her daughter, Cala Brandt of Oregon; son Michael Barnes of Middleton; her brother and two sisters; one grandchild, Daniel; plus three "adopted" grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claudius Barnes, and her parents.

A celebration of Gloria's life will be held on Sunday, March. 20, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2425 American Legion Boulevard in Mountain Home. Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Donations in Gloria's memory can be sent to Desert View Christian School, P.O. Box 124, Mountain Home, ID 83647.