Phyllis J. Barnes, age 88, of Toledo, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Ebeid Hospice Residence. She was born on March 28, 1935 to Harry E. and Velma A. (Frey) Rice in Toledo. Phyllis graduated from Waite High School and attended the University of Toledo. Phyllis met and married Thomas A. Barnes after school and they went on to have 2 children together. They spent 51 years together before his passing.
She was employed by the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities for 21 years, 5 years as a route bus driver and 16 years with the recreational department retiring in 1988. Phyllis was a member of General Mills Retiree Club and edited the club newsletter until she moved to Michigan in 2009.
From 2009 – 2016 Phyllis lived in Shelby Township, MI with her beloved companion, Gene Heath and moving back to Toledo when he passed on January 1, 2016. While living in MI, she was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Shelby, Twp. She shared a loved of the Great Lakes, and the giant freighters; she and Gene spent a great deal of time visiting various locations along the shores of the upper Great Lakes, where they could watch the big boats pass by.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Barnes; companion, Gene Heath; and grandson, Jeremy Wright. Left to cherish Phyllis' memory are her children, Allan (Michele) Barnes and Gail Barnes; grandchildren, Amanda (Russell), Rebecca, Stacy, and Cameron; great-grandchildren, Jason, Kayla, Chelsea, Austin, David, Justin, Ariana, Phillip, Gerald, Charels, Elias, Ryley; dear friend, Louise Marshall.
The family will receive guests on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300) with Funeral Services beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
You may stream the service by clicking
here.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Lucas County Special Olympics.
To share a memory of Phyllis or to leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.