LaVerne Beth Barnes

LaVerne Beth Barnes, 91, of Iron Mountain, died Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 at the home of her son, Shawn. She was surrounded by her loving family. LaVerne was born on Jan. 31, 1926 in Iron Mountain, the daughter of the late Lenis and Inez (Olson) Gustafson Morneau. She was a lifelong resident and graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1944. LaVerne married James Barnes on September 24, 1952 and together they raised seven children and enjoyed over 45 years of marriage. James preceded her in death on February 11, 1998. LaVerne was a long time member of Trinity United Methodist Church and she made sure all of her children attended Sunday School every week, whether they wanted to or not. She had many interests, but mostly loved to read, spend time with her large family, and for many years danced with her husband and daughter, Tammy, at the Community Center. She was particularly interested in watching and feeding the birds and “chippies” that became very spoiled in her yard. LaVerne took great joy in her beautiful yard and enjoyed walking around and admiring her trees, flowers, plants, and fish pond. She also enjoyed her dogs and especially loved her cat, Tinkerbell. LaVerne never drank (but loved her Root Beer), smoked, or drove a car in her life, yet she had a driver's license. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and make her family laugh, right up to the very end. She was strong in her faith and knew she was headed to be with her Creator. LaVerne is survived by her seven children; Hope Ann (Steve) Blagec, Terry (Joanne) Barnes, Lori (John) Rodda, Kevin Barnes, Tammy Barnes, Shawn (Nicole) Barnes, and Robin Barnes; one brother, Allyne (Donna) Gustafson; and sister Gail Ferrara. 11 grandchildren; Tracy Blagec, Tara (Jeremy) Blagec, Trinity Blagec, Charmaine (Brian) Sims, James Rodda, Haily (Mack) Strong, Nicole (Chris) Rockafellow, Shane Barnes, Shannon Barnes, Calleen Barnes, and Kailey Barnes; five great-grandchildren, Brandon (Felicia) Aman, Gwen and Grace Rockafellow, Alexis and Sierra Sims, great-great grandson, Keagen Aman, special niece Gaylyn Ziehm, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers, Neil and Don "Tiny" Gustafson, five sisters, Joyce Gustafson, Helen Tappy, Faye Tirschel, Yvonne “Bonnie” Paquette, twin, Lorraine Meicher-Klenc, and great granddaughter Katelyn Blagec. Visitation will be Monday, February 27, 2017, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church. Granddaughter, Rev. Tracy L. Blagec, will officiate. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of LaVerne B. Barnes may be expressed online at ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

LaVerne Beth Barnes

January 31, 1926 - February 23, 2017