Leah Mae Barnes

Leah M. Barnes, 90 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away Monday, April 3, 2017 at her home. She was born May 3, 1926 in Clayton, New Mexico the daughter of Ray and Agnes (Corneilson) Byrd. Leah started school in Clayton, the family moved to Franktown, Colorado for a short time before settling in Raton. Leah attended and graduated from Raton High School. She attended ENMU in Portales for one year before transferring to Highlands University in Las Vegas where she received a Bachelors Degree in Education. On June 12, 1949 Leah married Donald Barnes in Raton. Leah taught school at St. Patrick Catholic School in Raton. She began her career teaching Kindergarten and Head Start. Leah continued her education at Highlands University where she received her Masters Degree in Education. Leah taught history and for many years was the typing instructor at Raton High School. She retired in 1983. While living in Raton, Leah was a member of Catholic Daughters of America, and the Elks Club DOES where she served as past president. Following her retirement Leah and Donald made their home in Fort Sumner. Leah spent many hours reading and was a charter member of the Fort Sumner Public Library. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and served as president of Merry Homemakers. She was a longtime member of the National Education Association. Leah was an faithful member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. She enjoyed arts and crafts, coin collecting, gardening, and loved to read. Leah is preceded in death by her parents and a step brother James Harris. Survivors include Donald Barnes, her husband of 68 years, of Fort Sumner, five daughters Miriam Harrison and husband Timo of Albuquerque, Donna Taylor and husband Charlie of Fort Sumner, Denise McElroy and husband John of Las Cruces, Betty Clune and husband Gary of Palm Harbor, Florida, and Carol Rendon and Arnold Vialpando of Denver, Colorado, one son Michael Barnes and wife Jody of Tucumcari, 13 grandchildren: Todd Miller of Trenton, MN, Barbara Trujillo of Albuquerque, Donald Harrison of Albuquerque, Christie Busenlehner of San Antonio, TX, Donnelle Zeamer of Conroe, TX, Shannon Contreras of Amarillo, TX, Travis Barnes of Albuquerque, Ashley McElroy of Austin, TX, Casey McElroy of Dallas, TX, Katherine Massey of Phoenix, AZ, Bobby Clune of Palm Harbor, FL, Kayla Rendon of Denver, CO, and Kendra Rendon of Denver, CO, and 14 great-grandchildren. Visitation hours will be Thursday and Friday from 1pm-6pm at the Chavez Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited at 7pm Friday, April 7, 2017 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday, April 8, 2017 from the church. Burial will follow in the Garden of Hope Section, Fort Sumner Cemetery with Father Christopher Bernabe officiating. Pallbearers will include Donald Harrison, Travis Barnes, Casey McElroy, Jeremy Contreras, Marco Trujillo, Jaycob Trujillo, and Chris Trujillo. The family requests memorials in Leah's memory to St. Anthony Catholic Church, P.O. Box 370, Fort Sumner, NM 88119, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com