Constance "Connie" Barnes

In loving memory of Constance Barnes, a woman whose life was a testament to love, resilience, and compassion. Connie was born in Dunkirk, New York, on June 11, 1944, grew up in Fredonia, New York, the daughter of Herbert and Geraldine (Dickinson) Shaw.

Connie married Ralph "Jake" Thies on April 22, 1961, she embraced the role of a loving wife and mother with grace and determination. She cherished her children, Veronica and Kelley, instilling in them the values of education and perseverance. Driven by her love of learning, Connie returned to school while raising her children. She eventually obtained an Associates Degree from Mohave Community College in Bullhead, Arizona. Her commitment to learning was matched by her work ethic. Connie worked as a Receptionist at Mohave Community College for several years.

Throughout her life Connie taught Sunday school, engaged in various ministries and sang in the church choir. Connie's love for music was a constant throughout her life. Her beautiful voice resonated in songs like "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Wind Beneath My Wing.” Even in times of illness, her spirit soared as she sang, bringing smiles to those around her.

Her passions extended beyond music and church life; her travels, whether with friends or loved ones, enriched her life with experiences from Nashville to Hawaii, Ireland, and beyond. She also found joy in simple pleasures like watching Hallmark movies, reading, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Connie was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Revolution and the First United Methodist Church of Dixon.

In 1990, Connie and Jake relocated to Lanark, Illinois, to be closer to family during his illness. Jake passed away on April 8, 1991. Being close to her children brought her peace. Connie found love again with Curt Barnes. Their bond grew over shared experiences while they worked at Rolling Hills in Lanark, leading to a loving marriage on February 14, 1998. Despite facing Curt’s MS diagnosis together, Connie remained steadfast in her care and devotion to Curt until his passing in 2022.

Connie received exceptional care from Caster Home Nursing, Heritage Square and Serenity Hospice. The kindness and compassion shown by all were a source of comfort for her family and deeply appreciated.

Connie's life was a tapestry of love, resilience, and faith. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched, leaving behind a cherished memory of a woman who lived life with grace, kindness, and an unwavering spirit of love.

She is dearly missed by her daughter, Veronica (Don) Dietz of Lanark, Illinois; her son, Kelley Scott Thies of Dixon, Illinois; two stepdaughters, LaVonne Harris of Centennial, Colorado and Carmen (Jessica) Barnes of Evanston, Illinois; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Carol Leatherwood of Saint George, Utah, Roxanne (Everett) Thompson of Mt. Dora, Florida and Barb Delaney of Bullhead City, Arizona; and life-long friends, Pat and Dick Glasier of Dunkirk, New York. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Jeri; her granddaughter, Amanda (Thies) Cuthbert; and her brother, Charles Shaw.

Please honor Connie's memory with donations to a charity of your choice. She will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery, Silver Creek, New York at a later date.