LuEtta S. Barnes

LuEtta S. Barnes, 96, of Grand Island died October 30, 2023, at Riverside Lodge. A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 PM Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Apfel Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Guerink officiating. The family will meet friends an hour prior to the service. A private family burial at Bureau Cemetery in rural Clarks will be prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a later date. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

LuEtta was born on January 27, 1927, in Central City, NE to James Gentry and Sadie (Shively) French. She grew up in Central City and graduated from Central City High School in 1946.

On October 6, 1946, LuEtta was united to marriage to Gerald Barnes at the First Presbyterian Church in Central City. The couple farmed in Central City and Marquette areas before moving to Grand Island in 1956. She worked at several places including Coco Cola Bottling Company, Leon plastics, Gibsons, Jerry’s Place, and the Fonner Park café for 14 years prior to retiring.

LuEtta was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She loved to cook and bake and enjoyed putting a meal on the table for family and friends. She also enjoyed working in her flower garden, playing cards and traveling, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include daughters: Claudia (Ed) Rathje of Phillips, NE and Kathleen Hellwege of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren: Travis Rathje, Clint (Mandi) Rathje, Marcus (Jessica) Hellwege, Shawn (Mary) Hellwege; great grandchildren: Faith, Isabella, Ava, Vivian Rathje, Elysia, Ethan, Alexander Hellwege, and Bailey Paxson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Douglas Barnes; great grandson, Hunter Paxson; siblings: Waldon French, Viola Douthit, Virginia Mustard, Beatrice Hall; and several step siblings.