Shirley Barnes

Shirley Barnes, 70, of Winterset, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024.

No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be directed to Patriot Guard Riders (patriotguard.org).

Shirley Jean Meyer was born on May 18, 1953 and was raised in Ottumwa, Iowa.

In her youth, she participated in tennis and cheerleading and was a talented artist. She married Jeff Barnes in February 1973 and became a mother to their four children with the family living in Urbandale, Indianola, Fort Dodge, and Ottumwa before settling in Winterset for retirement.

A constant and steady parental influence, Shirley was the mom all the other kids wanted as their own. She was present and supportive, coached the sports, organized the parade floats, taught the dances, sewed the patches on the Brownie sashes, made sure the laces were in all the cleats and never missed an event.

Her intuition was razor sharp, convictions unparalleled. She wasn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers for causes that mattered and was the first person to open her door to a struggling soul throughout her life.

Mom was the most impactful human and she will be profoundly missed by all who loved her.

Shirley is survived by her children Jason (Laura) Barnes of Winterset, IA, Jenny (Mike) Sherman of Warrensburg, MO and Luke (Ashlee) Barnes of Burlington, IA; 10 grandchildren, Katie, Kayla, JT, Ryleigh, Madison, Zack, Will, Lydia, Shea and Cole; 3 great-grandchildren, Gunner, Kinzlee and Lilah; mother Jean Meyer, brother Dean (Jenny) Meyer and sisters Peggy (Mike) Short and Linda (Roy) Slaymaker all of Ottumwa, IA. She was preceded in death by Jeff, son Nathan, father Phil and sister Janet.