Tammy F. Barnes

Tammy Faye Barnes, 61, passed away unexpectedly on May 9, 2023, her brother Terry by her side. She passes into eternal life and rest, and hopefully some dancing, with her Creator. Tammy was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan on November 9, 1961 to James and LaVerne Barnes, the fifth in line of seven children. She attended Special Education classes in the Iron Mountain Public Schools and after graduating, worked at Trico for most of her adult life, where she enjoyed the work, socializing, and made many life-long friends. Tammy was athletic in her more youthful days and enjoyed basketball and bowling. For years she competed in the Special Olympics and was proud of the many trophies and medals she had to show for her effort. Her family meant everything to her and she lived for spending time with them any chance she could. She enjoyed family, birthday, and holiday gatherings when everyone could be together. And she loved receiving gifts, many of which she would specifically request, to ensure she get what she wanted. In the years since her mother died, Tammy was thrilled to be able to live with her brother Shawn, Nicole, and Kailey. They cared for her while also filling her life with fun and excitement. Tammy also had a ball for the last several months while living at Manor Care. There she received wonderful care and had endless opportunity to socialize and participate in fun activities and church services. Tammy was enthusiastic about life and had many interests she loved to talk about and share with others. Some of her favorite music was The Kendalls, Kenny Rogers, Gordon Lightfoot, and she loved watching movies, singing, and working on puzzles. Tammy was a social person and there wasn’t a person she met with whom she would not talk. She shared what was going on in her life and her family’s, and loved most of all being able to talk, laugh, and tease with family, friends, and anyone she happened to meet. She had a way of pulling you into her excitement and enthusiasm. She enjoyed going out to eat and shopping at the mall with her girlfriends. Back in the day, Tammy regularly attended weekly dances with her parents and was a highly sought out partner on the dance floor. Even up to her last days she was still singing and trying to get people to dance with her from her wheelchair. Tammy was a force of life who was hard to ignore. She is a most beloved family member and we will all be laughing and smiling whenever we tell a story or have a memory of Tammy. She is survived by her siblings Hope Ann (Steve) Blagec, Terry (Joanne) Barnes, Lori (John) Rodda, Kevin Barnes, and Shawn Barnes (Nicole Caramella); nieces and nephews, Tracy Blagec, Tara (Jeremy) Coss, and Trinity Blagec, Charmaine (Brian) Sims, James and Haily Rodda, Nicole (Chris) Rockafellow, Shane (Brittany) Barnes, Shannon (Tony) Sleik, Brandon (Felicia) Aman, Kalline Barnes, Sierra (Hayden) Karstensen, Lexi Sims, Kailey Barnes, Gwen, Grace, and Grant Rockafellow, Keagen and Kori Aman, Malia Sleik, Reese Karstensen; aunts, uncles, and cousins. Tammy is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robin Barnes; great-niece, Katelyn Blagec; and special friend, Richie Stanek, whose music and concertina playing she loved so much at the dances. Visitation will be from 9-11am Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will be held at 11am with a luncheon to follow. Burial will follow in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Tammy’s niece, Rev. Tracy Blagec, will officiate. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Tammy F. Barnes online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Tammy F. Barnes

November 9, 1961 - May 9, 2023