Carol E. Barnes

Carol Elizabeth Barnes… 
Words usually come so easy to us, but writing Carol’s final words have been some of the most difficult words to write. Carol left us on October 12, 2021 at the young age of 79.  Born the daughter of Earl and Blanche Hand, she lived her life to the fullest. Seven years of her early childhood were spent living in Hawaii with her family and then later moving to Southern California. 

Carol met her husband of 55+ years John Barnes, both graduating San Fernando high school, but not knowing much about each other until after they had started dating. John and Carol had many special bonds but being born on the same night, in the same hospital, and in the same year was one of their most talked about.  They often argued about who was older, but by only a matter of minutes. Together they raised four children Rick Holland, Steve (Maria) Holland, Tim (Jen) Barnes and Tami Richardson. In 1979 they moved their family to Victor Montana to create a different lifestyle for their family. 

Besides family, Carol’s true loves were horses and golden retrievers. Carol started her career as a nurse then went into being a vet tech, breeding and raising quarter horses or riding in the Bitterroot Mountettes.

At the age of 40, Carol was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which was crippling to her body, but those who knew her described her as one of the toughest women ever. She never let it slow her down and could out ride and out work anyone. 

Carol joined the Bitterroot Mountettes in 1981 and rode until a horse accident ended her riding career in 2006. She then traded her horse in for a UTV, she was always up for a ride in the mountains. 

Carol had incredible faith, she would say things happen for a reason, no such thing as a coincidence, but small blessings from God.  As her riding career ended another door opened for her. She became “Queen Carol” in the Bitterroot Bunch Quilting group. She loved her quilting retreats with her ladies, and made some beautiful quilts that we will always cherish. 

Carol touched so many people, and will forever be missed. Surviving Carol, are her brother Steve (Dee) Hand, her husband John Barnes, her amazing children, 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many grand dogs. We will be lifting a Mike’s Hard lemonade, her choice of drink, playing some rumi kube and celebrating this amazing woman’s life on June 26, 2022 at 4:00 pm at their residence located at 293 Noland Dr. Hamilton, MT.

Memorials in her name can be sent to Ravalli county Sheriff’s office in her favorite badge number 13-21.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol E. Barnes, please visit our floral store.