Avon C. Barnes

SIOUX CITY -- Avon C. (Trometer) Barnes, 70, of Sioux City passed away Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at a Sioux City hospital surrounded by her family. She slipped away into her final resting place in heaven.

Services will be 1 p.m. today at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sioux City, with Elder Morris Elcock officiating and clergyman Herb Langley assisting. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Merrill, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel.

Avon was born May 30, 1938, in rural Merrill, to Edward and Martha (Schmidt) Trometer. She was baptized and confirmed at the Merrill St. John Lutheran Church. She received her education at Liberty High School in rural Merrill, where she enjoyed cheerleading activities.

She married Eldon Leo Barnes on June 22, 1957, at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill. She led a full and busy life. She was active in her church and the communities, where she and Eldon owned various grocery businesses.

Her family was important to her, always putting them first. She was an excellent cook and baker. Her kitchen was filled with the aroma of her specialty pies, angel food cakes, casseroles, salads, etc. She was happiest when she could share her goodies and a cup of coffee with her family and friends. Her kitchen was always open.

Those who will cherish her memory include her husband, Eldon Leo Barnes of Sioux City; a son, Gregg Barnes and his wife, Melogen, of Jefferson, S.D. and their children, Autumn and Leah; a son, Terry Barnes and his wife, Lucinda, of Sioux City and their daughter, Natalie, and her son, Carson; a daughter, Melanie, and her husband, Duane Pies, of Le Mars, Iowa, and their children, Michael, Matt and his three children, Seth, Treyanne and Zade, and Josh and his children, Tyler, Madison, AJ and Xander; a daughter, Valerie Barnes-Franzen, and her special friend, Steve Swanson and their children, Tyler and his son, Jack, Travis, Stephanie, Kari, Collin and Hannah; siblings, Merlin (Dolores) Trometer, Delores Vanderham, Eileen (Melvin) Kolker, Ivan (Marilyn) Trometer, Willard (Gloria) Trometer and Karen (Robert) Pick.

Welcoming her to heaven are her parents; brothers, Milton, Eldon and George; and many other relatives and friends.

Rest now, Avon, you will be missed by family and friends.