Mrs. Sarah Jane "Sally" Barnes, age 81, of North Muskegon died Friday January 16, 2009. Sally was born in Latrobe, PA on September 21, 1927 to Ezekiel and Bertha David.
On February 11, 1972, she married George F. Barnes in Muskegon. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mrs. Barnes was an outstanding educator in the Muskegon area. In collaboration with others, Mrs. Barnes started the Hospital Candy Stripe Program and the Alcohol Treatment Program at Mercy Hospital. In collaboration with Muskegon Heights School Administrators, Sally Barnes also initiated and developed the Nurse Aide Vocational Program, which she operated for 16 years. Mrs. Barnes always referred to her experience at Muskegon Heights School District as the most rewarding occupational experience of her life. Mrs. Barnes is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, George F. Barnes; children, David McGough and wife Patti, Barbara Friedman and husband Steve, Susan Pflaum and husband Buzz; grandchildren, Adrienna, Jason, Rachel, Katherine and Zachariah; great grandchildren, Kaitlen, Carter, Cooper and Tyler. Also surviving her is a special family friend, Kevin McCroskey. She will be remembered by her family as being a fun-loving person that had a real zest for life and one that always placed her family first. She will be dearly missed. The Mass of the Resurrection for Mrs. Barnes will be offered Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 12 O'clock Noon from St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Gagnon presiding. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. A Gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to Select Specialty Hospital of Western Michigan, 1700 Clinton St., Muskegon, MI 49441.