Barbara Waggener Barnes, age 86, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024 surrounded by family and under the compassionate care of Bluegrass Hosparus and the warmhearted staff of Summit Manor Nursing Home.
Born June 8, 1938 in Glasgow, to Allen Baker Waggener (d) and Gertrude Gentry Waggener (d), Barbara spent her youth between Burkesville and Winter Park, FL
She was a member of Columbia Christian Church.
In the early 60’s, Barbara owned and operated the Merry Go Round Nursery School which is fondly remembered by many who attended.
She was a Cub Scout den mother, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, 4-H leader, an avid animal lover and an excellent gardener and cook. Barbara and her friend, Ivy Collins French (d), operated a catering business in Columbia and Barbara went on to co-own and co-manage the Briarpatch Restaurant in Danville.
Her love for travel, especially visiting the mountains and ocean, was only surpassed by her greatest passion which was her family. She was a loving wife, wonderful mother and exceptional Gran Gran.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Charles Barnes; daughter, Lee (Bud) Willis of Naples, Florida; son, Bob (Alissa) Barnes of Columbia; granddaughter, Payton Barnes of Nashville, Tennessee; grandson, Logan (Emily) Barnes and their infant son Beau of Russell Springs; her special caregiver, Angie Cash; niece, Becky (Richard) Rowe of Owensboro; nephews, Billy Walker and Ben Burris both of Columbia; and cousins, Phyllis (Doug) Alexander of Lexington, Lanny (Patsy) Judd of Burkesville and Libby (Tyler,d.) of Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Barbara was preceded in death by her brother and best friend, David Allen Waggener.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Columbia Christian Church with Bro. John Davis officiating.
Visitation will be after 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Honorary pallbearers are Lanny Judd, Doug Alexander, Bro. Terry White, Billy Walker, Ben Burris, and Bill Vittitoe.
In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested donation be made to the Columbia Christian Church.
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
