Janice Sue Barnes, age 73 and a life-long resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at her residence surrounded by her family after an extended illness. She was born August 3, 1942 in Elwood, the daughter of Robert G. and Beatrice O. (Benefiel) Decker. Janice was a sales associate at the Elwood K-Mart store for 14 years, and also previously worked at Carter's Supermarket in the meat department, and at J. Lewis Small Co. in Elwood. She was a 1960 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie high School, and later married Luther "Luke" Barnes on November 24, 1962. She was a devoted volunteer at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital for many years, and was also active in the Elwood Red Hat Society as a Queen Mother. Janice enjoyed traveling with Luke, cooking for her family, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Janice's family includes her husband of 53 years, Luther "Luke" Barnes of Elwood; 2 sons, David Barnes of Elwood, and Dean (wife Cheryl) Barnes of Beavercreek, OH; 2 brothers, Robert (wife Ruth Ann) Decker of Elwood, and Jerry (wife Jeanie) Decker of Elwood; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services celebrating Janice's life will be conducted at 1:00 PM, on Monday, February 15, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 6 PM on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and will include a St. Vincent Hospital Volunteer Memorial Service at 5:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Foundation – 1331 South A Street, Elwood, IN 46036. Online condolences: copherfeslermay.com.