Audrey Barnes

Audrey Barnes, 97, Jamestown, ND passed away Sunday April 7, 2024 at the Jamestown Regional Medical Center.

Audrey Bloomfield was born on August 20, 1926 at Camp Dix, KY, the daughter of Ralph and Mary Ann (Conley) Bloomfield. She grew up in Kentucky, attending school and graduating from Laurel Point High School. She was one of twelve children. She married Jack Barnes on March 21, 1953 at Oak Harbor, OH. They farmed in Ohio and North Dakota before permanently moving to ND in 1963. She helped on the farm as they continued farming for many years in the Courtenay, ND area. She also worked on the election board for many years. She was never one to sit around and do nothing. Her famous saying was “Keeping busy is the best medicine!”

They enjoyed 25 winters in Apache Junction, AZ where Audrey loved making ceramics. Every year she would bring back presents that she made for everyone in the family. Jack passed away on March 24^th, 2007. She moved to Jamestown to live closer to her daughter Cindy. They did everything together and Cindy took good care of her. Upon Cindy’s death, she moved into an apartment at the Heritage Centre for 2 years, but after breaking her ankle, she has resided to SMP Health-Ave Maria Nursing Home. During her stay at both places, she did word search puzzles and colored.

She was a member of Mabel Lutheran Church and a member of the Ladies Aid in Sutton, ND. Her faith was strong and she loved her church. She knitted washcloths and made hanging hand towels and donated many to various organizations over the years. She was a volunteer at JRMC for many years also. She loved being busy which brought her to the age of 97. She would always say that she was married for 54 years and 3 days and that her life has been a great journey.

She is survived by 2 sons, Bradley (Jan), Courtenay, ND and Craig (Robin), Adrian, ND; grandson, Curt (Barbara) Barnes, granddaughter, Kelli (Jason) Connolly and step grandson, Chad (Dawn) Helmick; 2 great-granddaughters, Carlee and Chloee Barnes and great grandsons, Caleb Connolly, Dustin (Kylie) Helmick and Blake (Bridget) Helmick; step great grandchildren, Lilly (Caleb) Weller, Devry Gryder, Aydin and Miah Mutchler, great-great granddaughter, Millie Helmick, step great-great granddaughter, Autumn  Weller; sister, Doris (Delbert) Hardman, Vanceburg, KY; many nieces and nephews and special niece, Patty Esham, Vanceburg, KY. She also has a special lifetime friend, Donna Baldwin and special former neighbor who brought her flowers all the time, Janet White.

The family would like to thank SMP Health Heritage Centre and SMP Health-Ave Maria for their wonderful care. It is very much appreciated.

Memorials preferred to Mabel Lutheran Church, Sutton, ND, SMP Health-Ave Maria or JRMC Hospice.