Martha Ellen Barnes, 85, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Martha was born on August 24, 1939, in Fayette, Missouri, to Charles and Emily Daniels. In 1940, she was named “Grand Champion” at the Glasgow Tri-County Cutest Baby Contest, a title that reflected the warmth and charm she carried throughout her life. Raised on a farm in Roanoke, Martha attended Huntsville High School before marrying the love of her life, C.F. Barnes, on June 3, 1961, in Glasgow. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising four children and traveling the country creating a lifetime of cherished adventures.    A devout Catholic, Martha lived her faith through kindness and generosity. She dedicated 35 years to public service, working at the State Controller’s Office and later the State Court Administrator’s Office. Even after retirement, she remained active, working part-time at Associated Electric Cooperative of Missouri.

Martha had a passion for sewing, crafting, gardening, and collecting Longaberger baskets. She was a dedicated Girl Scout Leader, St. Peter’s Mission Party chairman, and Taos Parish Picnic volunteer, always ensuring her children and others had cherished memories of those special events. She loved spending time with her “dear sweet friends”, playing Bunco and attending the Friends Birthday Lunch Club. Known for her fun-loving spirit, she would outlast everyone at amusement parks and could eat her weight in black-walnut Central Dairy ice cream. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family.  She had an incredible ability to make everyone feel welcome, greeting friends and strangers alike with a warm hug and an open heart. Martha’s greatest joy was her family—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure.

Martha’s love, laughter, and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, C.F., four children;  Symmetha (Steve) Smith, Angela (Charles) Mixon, Chad (Shonn) Barnes, and Wes (Lindsay) Barnes. Her “sweet buddies” (grandchildren); Michelle (Tyler) McKean, Clay (Brittany) Smith, Hannah (Darus) Brondel, Josh Smith. Emily (Austin) McKahan, Garrett (Macie) Mixon, Marylou (Eric) Mayfield. Martha, John (Madison), and Kaleb Barnes.  Chloe, Avery, Libby, and Josey Barnes, Great “grand-buddies”; Kellan and Cameron McKean, Sawyer, Marley, and Brady Smith, Beckham and Parks Brondel,  Maddie, Riley, and Kinsey McKahan, Jay Peterman, Melody Mixon and Maeve Mayfield, sister; Donna Sellmeyer and brother; David (Ellen) Daniels.  She was preceded in death by her parents; Charles and Emily Daniels, siblings; Patsy, Charles, Bill, Berva, and Sandy and granddaughter; Lexi Mixon.  

She will be most cherished as a devoted prayer warrior, always lighting candles for those in need of love and light, lifting their burdens in her heart.  Martha’s family would like to express their sincerest gratitude and endless appreciation for the staff at Westbrook Terrace and St. Croix Hospice for the love, care, and dedication they give every day.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, at 9:00 a.m., at St. Martins Catholic Parish with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Jason Doke will officiate.  Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Raymond’s Society, which supports new and expecting mothers in the Jefferson City and Columbia area. Contributions can be made at srshelp.org.

Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City is assisting our family with arrangements.  trimblefunerals.com