Ellen Barnes

Ellen Barnes was born on September 3, 1937, here in Neenah, Wisconsin, to Ralph D. and Margaret Barnes. She was one of five children in a lively household. Growing up in that family shaped the person she became—someone who valued connection, loyalty, and kindness. She shared especially close bonds with her sister Alice and her brother Charles. Mom and Charles together were often described as the “dynamic duo.” These relationships remained important to her throughout her life.

Education was something my Mom deeply believed in. She attended Taylor University in Indiana and got her Master’s at Indiana University. She then went on to become an elementary school teacher. Teaching wasn’t just a career for her—it was a calling. She cared about the children she taught and believed that every child deserved patience, encouragement, and someone who believed in them. That was simply who she was.

After over 20 years of teaching, she thought she had enough patience left over to want to become a parent at the young age of 42. She, along with help of her good friend, Joyceann, adopted an orphan girl from Busan, South Korea. Mom came up with the name and her sister Alice came up with the spelling, thus Kristal came to fruition.

After retiring from teaching, Mom returned to her childhood home here in Neenah. It was meaningful for her to come full circle, back to the place where her story began. Retirement didn’t mean slowing down, though. She continued giving her time and energy to others by volunteering at Theda Clark Hospital. That was very much in keeping with the way she lived her life—quietly helping where help was needed.

Mom was generous in ways that really mattered. She lived a frugal life, but not because she lacked generosity. In fact, it was the opposite. She believed in using what she had wisely so she could give—her time, her attention, and her resources—to others.

One of my favorite memories of my mom is when she met her first grandchild, Saede. For much of her life, she didn’t think being a grandmother was something she would experience. So when that moment came, it was incredibly special. You could see the joy and wonder in her face. It was one of those moments that perfectly captured her heart.

Faith was the foundation of my mother’s life. She had strong belief in Jesus Christ, and she lived those beliefs every day—not just in words, but in the way she treated people. Her faith guided her generosity, her humility, and the quiet way she served others.

Outside, in nature, was another place where Mom felt at peace. She loved gardening and spending time outdoors. There was something about tending to plants and being in the fresh air that brought her joy. In many ways, it reflected who she was: patient, nurturing, and attentive to small things that grow over time.

When I think about what people will miss most about Mom, I believe it will be her presence—her steady, caring company—and her generosity of spirit. She had a way of making people feel welcome and valued simply by being herself.

Today we remember a teacher, a sister, a volunteer, a woman of faith, and for me, a wonderful Mom. Her life reminds us that kindness, faith, and generosity leave a lasting mark on the world.

And while we will miss her deeply, we are grateful for the life she lived, the love she shared, and the many ways she touched the people around her.

Mom leaves to cherish her loving memory her child, Kristal and her husband Charles and their children Saede and her husband Thomas and their daughter Phoebe; Augustus and George; nephews Donald and his wife Claudia; Steven and his wife Ming and their children Christopher and Emily; Timothy and his wife Karen and their children Emma and Brian; Thomas and his wife Linda and their children Oren, Avi, Josh and Hannah; Steven and his wife MaryBeth and their children Haley, Alyssa, and Addison; and niece Paula and her husband Bryan and their child Carson.  Also in loving memory her father Ralph D., mother Margaret, brothers Ralph, Douglas, Charles, sister Alice and great nephew Zachary Nelson.

Special thanks to the nursing staff at AdavaCare (formerly known as Matthews): Nichole, Katie, Michelle, Heather, Casey, Carson and Laura (I apologize to those who I have missed). Also, I would like to thank the ladies from Lakeland Care: Samantha, Beck and Sherri.

My heartfelt gratitude to Steve, MaryBeth and Paula. They were an insurmountable help and font of information on this journey, a journey that could have been pretty rough if I had to go on it alone. Love to Charles for everything.

Thank you, Mom.

A funeral service for Ellen will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery