Linda R. Barnes

The world lost one of its bright lights on Tuesday when Linda Ruth (Doan) Barnes left us.

Linda was born in Indianapolis on March 11, 1943 to the late Ernest and Ethel (DeHart) Doan. She graduated in 1961 from Arsenal Technical High School and married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Barnes, in 1963.

She worked at various places in finance and administration, but family and friends were at the center of her life. She was a caring daughter, a doting sister, a loving mother and a devoted grandmother. She was generous of heart with her friends and you would often find her walking journeys with them during times of care and concern.

Linda will be remembered for her beautiful smile, humor, artistry and the flair she had for welcoming people. Her children will remember her for waking them with “this is a beautiful day the Lord has made, let us be happy and rejoice in it,” making art projects, being driven “hither and yon” to far too many activities to count, forts in the living room on rainy days, popsicles on the back patio, and approximately 102 of their friends yelling “MOM!” at any one event fully expecting her to answer. She was also their biggest fan during times of success, and a strong and compassionate shoulder during times of worry.

She was in awe of her four talented grandchildren, Andrew, Katie, Jessica and Alex. Her greatest joys came when she had them over for sleep overs, baking cookies with long conversations and teaching them how to paint.

She was proud of her children, Deb, Michelle, and Brent, for their accomplishments in the world, but more for who they have become as adults. Her legacy of community service and devotion to family continues through them.

Her siblings were especially precious to her. She loved her phone calls with her brother Jim in Texas, her brother Mike in Valparaiso and her dinners and visits with Betty in her neighborhood in Indianapolis. She fondly remembered her siblings who preceded her in death: Norma, Nita and Ernie.

Carolyn, Judy, Bonnie, Linda, Sharon and Bonnie were cherished, lifelong friends.

She was married to the love of her life, Tom, for over 50 years and treasured their memories, connection and partnership.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Norma Evans, Juanita Jordan and Ernest Doan, Jr.

She is survived by her husband Tom Barnes, two daughters and one son: Deb Barnes (Tom Pike), Michelle Hile (Bart), and Brent Barnes (Angie). Also surviving are four grandchildren: Andrew and Katherine Hile, and Alex and Jessica Barnes. Linda’s three surviving siblings are Betty Hogan of Indianapolis, James Doan of Burleson, Texas, and Larry Michael Doan of Valparaiso, Indiana.

She is loved with our whole hearts. She is missed.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, with a memorial service immediately following. Arrangements are being handled by Little & Sons Funeral Home at 4901 East Stop Eleven Road in Indianapolis.

www.Littleandsonsindianapolis.com

Arrangements under the direction of Little & Sons Funeral Home, Indianapolis, IN.