Ruel T. Barnes

Ruel T. Barnes, Bentonville, Ark., son of Lee and Kate (Williams) Barnes, was born June 6, 1923, in Purdy, Mo., and departed this life March 7, 2012, in Bella Vista, Ark., at the age of 88. Ruel moved to Bentonville, Ark., from Aurora, Mo., five years ago to be closer to his daughters. Ruel was a member of the Bentonville Church of Christ. He previously served as an elder and deacon for over 40 years at the Scholten Church of Christ in Crane, Mo. Ruel was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Holly Delo. Survivors include wife, Niota Barnes; four children, Sharon Vangunda and husband, Lloyde, of Seneca, Mo., Cynthia Davis and husband, Charles, of Bella Vista, Ark., Connie Cox and husband, Jim, of Bentonville, Ark., and Fred Barnes of Memphis, Tenn.; seven siblings, Chloe Gaddis, Georgia Tucker, Ellen Heasley, Kenneth, Van, Lynn and Jimmie Barnes from the Springfield, Mo., area; six grandchildren, Alissa McGinn, Jared Cox, Ruth Anne Cox Thornton, Justin Barnes, Megan Barnes and Amanda Ross; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2012, in Stumpff Funeral Home, Crane, Mo. Burial will be in Mars Hill Cemetery, Crane, Mo. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to Fair Haven Children's Home, 3132 N. Fairhaven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757.