Obituary for Carolyn (Bell) Barnes

Carolyn (Bell) Barnes 81

of Kenton

Funeral services for Carolyn (Bell) Barnes will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton with Pastor John Foster officiating. Burial will follow at McDonald Fairview Cemetery. Friends and family may visit 2 hours prior to services at the funeral home.

Carolyn passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Kenton Nursing and Rehab Center. She was born on January 27, 1944, in Kenton to the late Leonard and Luella (Jacobs) Bell. On July 31, 1965, she married James Barnes and he preceded her in death on April 9, 2011.

Surviving are a daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Varney of Pataskala, sons, Jim (Kary) Barnes of Westerville, Mike Barnes of Kenton, a brother, Ron (Judy) Bell of Fenton, MI, 3 grandchildren, Christopher Wallace, Edward Barnes, Mackenzie Barnes, several nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Smokey.

Carolyn was a graduate of Belle Center High School, where she was the Homecoming Queen, FFA Queen and graduated as valedictorian of her class. After high school, Carolyn continued her education at Bowling Green State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with her degree in elementary education and secondary language arts. In 1965, she started teaching in Huntsville but most of her career was spent at Benjamin Logan Schools. Carolyn truly loved her job and always enjoyed hearing from her former students. 

She was a member of the Mount Zion United Methodist Church where she was the choir director for over 30 years. She was always proud of the Christmas Cantata she organized every year with the choir.

In her free time, Carolyn enjoyed cooking and listening to gospel music. 

Memorial donations in Carolyn’s honor may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.