Billie Lou Barnes

Billie Lou Barnes, born on January 13, 1929, in French Camp, California, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, at the age of 96. Surrounded by family and friends, she spent her final days at Select Specialty Hospital in the Villages, Florida. A woman of deep Christian faith, Billie navigated life with grace, strength, and a quiet resolve that was both inspiring and steadfast. At the young age of 18, Billie married her lifelong love, Earl Harry Barnes, a former POW who had just returned from a Japanese war camp. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and dedication. They settled in San Diego, California, where Billie balanced the demands of raising their three children while pursuing an education in computer programming, earning her Associate’s Degree from a community college. The military later took them to the Philippines for three years before they returned to the U.S., eventually establishing a home in Montross, Virginia. There, Earl built Billie a beautiful home filled with handmade furniture crafted from imported Philippine wood. Billie was deeply involved in her church and community, contributing her time and talents generously. As a computer specialist in Washington D.C., she made significant contributions to her field before retiring and moving to Florida with Earl. The couple enjoyed traveling across the country in their RV, attending World War Veterans' functions, and celebrating their shared love for square dancing and travel. They marked their 50th wedding anniversary with a joyous gathering in Stratford Harbour, a testament to their enduring partnership. An Eastern Star, Billie was committed to charitable causes, supporting POW charities, Wounded Warrior Project with unwavering generosity. She donated to breast cancer research as she was a two time survivor.  She cherished her weekly Bridge games with friends and Sunday meals at the Front Porch after church services. Her practical nature, devout faith, and reserved demeanor were well-known to those close to her, yet she had a remarkable ability to surprise others with her thoughts and actions. She was predeceased by her father, Luther Coy Buntin, her mother, Roxie Margaret Wells, her sister, Della Margaret Buntin, her brother, Larry Buntin, her husband, Earl Harry Barnes, and her daughter, Rosemary Francis Barnes. She is survived by her daughter, Roxana Margaret Barnes, her son, Hari Har Khalsa, and her only grandson, Eric Clinton Barnes, who will continue to cherish her memory. A funeral service will be held at Roberts Funeral Home in Dunnellon on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at noon, with a private viewing for family beginning at 11:45 AM. A family-only procession will follow on Wednesday, April 9th, to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, where Billie will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Earl. In closing, we reflect on the words of “God’s Garden,” a poignant reminder of the peace Billie has found and the love she leaves behind. It broke our hearts to lose her, but we find solace in knowing that she did not go alone, for part of us went with her the day God called her home.