Joanne I. Barnes, age 90, a resident of DeKalb, IL, died Monday, March 10, 2025, at DeKalb County Nursing Center.

Joanne was born May 21, 1934, in DeKalb. In 1952 she graduated from DeKalb High School and then attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC where she met Donald Barnes - a proud native of New Jersey.  Despite their differences in East Coast vs. Midwest upbringing, Don and Joanne started dating and then married in August 1954.  They were married for 65 years when Don passed away in 2019.

Don went into full-time ministry and graduated from seminary.  Thus, Joanne became a pastor’s wife who was actively involved in each of the churches they served. This included youth ministry in NY as well as pastoring churches ministries in 6 different states (MA, IL, NJ, MI, FL, IA).  They served multiple Reformed Church congregations, including Kankakee, IL, Grand Haven, MI, Tinley Park, IL, Sioux Center, IA, and finally Morrison, IL.

Joanne was active in all these churches by singing in the choir, playing the piano, and with women’s and children’s ministries.  At home, she was always at her sewing machine working on the latest project from sewing clothes to creating new crafts (e.g., stuffed bunnies, dolls, etc.), or giving piano lessons.  She developed many close friends with whom she enjoyed spending hours visiting over the phone or in person – friendships that extended throughout her life.  Her love for her family was only exceeded by her lifelong love for her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Joanne will be remembered by her family and friends for her gift of hospitality and humble spirit.  Her farm roots nurtured a love of all animals, especially all the pet dogs that she and her family members raised.  Her love of hymns continued to the very end of her life.  This verse from a song that she loved is especially relevant:  When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

She is survived by her three sons: Paul (Barb) of Centreville, VA; Tim of Sarasota, FL; Joel (Cary) of Wheaton, IL; her eight grandchildren Erica (Hanway) Chang, Shelby (Rob) Sims, Lauren (Vincenzo) Libreri, Michael (Yana) Barnes, Esteban Harker-Barnes, Tatiana Harker-Barnes, Jessi Barnes, and Reagan Barnes.   She also had nine great-grandchildren.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her siblings Donald Quitno, Robert Quitno, Joyce Hueber, and David Quitno, as well as her parents, Clarence and Jessie Quitno.

A memorial service for Joanne will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Anderson Funeral Home at 2011 S. 4th Street, DeKalb, IL. A burial service will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.

Visitation will be held Tuesday May 27, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home.

Any memorials may be made to Stars Family Services (College Church – Wheaton):  https://www.starsfamilyservices.org/.

For more information, visithttps://www.andersonfuneralhomeltd.com/or call 815-756-1022.