Denise Claudette Barnes

Denise Claudette Barnes (ne‘e Loehrer), age 92, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026 with her family by her side.

Denise was born on August 3, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jeanne Loehrer and Johann (Jean) Loehrer. She took great pride in her French heritage and her Chicago upbringing—both of which shaped her strong sense of style, confidence, and lifelong appreciation for culture, food, and family traditions.

Denise met the love of her life, Roy Leon “Leon” Barnes, while they were both working at the United States Embassy in Switzerland. They were married in Chicago and made their home near Ottawa, Kansas, where they farmed and raised their five sons. As her boys grew older, Denise returned to the workforce, building a respected career as a legal secretary.

In 1992, Denise and Leon retired to Loveland, Colorado until 2001, when they moved to Florida for a short time before returning to Kansas and settling in Baldwin City in 2005. Throughout her life, Denise was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, attending Annunciation Catholic Church in Baldwin City and formerly Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ottawa.

Denise was known for her warm heart, fun-loving spirit, and fabulous sense of humor. Always up for anything that promised fun, she was a frequent and good-natured target of practical jokes from her sons—and she always gave it right back. Being the mother of five boys on a farm, Denise often found herself doing “guy” things and was thrilled once daughters-in-law started coming into the picture. She loved her boys fiercely and found immense joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom knew her affectionately as “Grandma D.”

An exceptionally talented baker, Denise was especially famous for her perfect pie crusts and extraordinary pies, along with her delicious sugar cookies and pecan sandies. She treasured time spent baking with her granddaughters and proudly passed down her skills, recipes, and love of the kitchen to them. Her creativity extended beyond baking; she also enjoyed needlework and tole painting. Denise had a keen eye for fashion and style, and no matter where she lived, her home was always beautifully and thoughtfully decorated. She valued health and vitality, remaining active and committed to exercise well into her later years. Equally important to her was the joy she found in her friendships which enriched her life and brought her great happiness,

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Roy Leon Barnes; her parents, Jeanne and Johann Loehrer; her sister, Jacqueline Presutti of Erie, Pennsylvania; her sons, Stephen and Brian; and her infant grandsons Brett and Nathen.

Denise is survived by her sons: Kent Barnes (Carol) of Fort Collins, Colorado; Mark Barnes (Sandy) of Ottawa, Kansas; and Clayton Barnes (Dianna) of Ottawa, Kansas. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Cameron Barnes; Lauren Barr (Ross); Carson Barnes (Sarah); Kaitlyn Broxterman (Thomas); Sierra Bonenberger (Aaron); and Rachel Barnes, as well as her cherished great-grandchildren Luke, Hudson, and Grant.

A Rosary and visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Annunciation Catholic Church in Baldwin City, Kansas, with the Rosary beginning at 6:30pm, followed by visitation from 7:00-8:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:30am, also at Annunciation Catholic Church, with a funeral dinner to follow at 12:00pm. Committal scheduled for 2:00pm, at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dengel & Son Mortuary of Ottawa, Kansas.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or the Annunciation Catholic Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

Denise will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, her impeccable style, her joyful approach to life, her devotion to family and friends, and the love she shared so generously. As she would often say with a chuckle when challenges arose, “Dis moi pas cas!”

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