Christine Barnes
Christine Duncan Barnes, age 96, passed peacefully on April 1, 2026. She was born on August 20, 1929, in Obion County, Tennessee. She lived a life grounded in unwavering faith, love for her family and quiet strength.
She was a loving wife to her husband, John Quinton Barnes, and a devoted mother to her five children. Christine is survived by her daughters, Susan Barnes Lyons, Lori Barnes Campbell (husband, Steve Campbell) and Kristi Barnes Stihel (husband, Greg Stihel); her five grandchildren, Violet Gonzagowski (husband, Austin Gonzagowski), Claudia Campbell, Hannah Benevento (husband, Pat Benevento), Cameron Stihel (wife, Alejandra Stihel), and Sara Barnes; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Quinton Barnes; and two children, Deborah Barnes Rushing and Daniel Martin Barnes.
For 16 years Christine volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program. She delivered meals for six years in Savannah, Tennessee, where she lived for over 40 years and after moving to Mesa, Arizona, she and her daughter, Lori, delivered meals together for over ten years as part of the Tempe Meals on Wheels program.
She is remembered for her strong faith, gentle spirit and the enduring love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the lives of her family and all who were blessed to know her. A life so beautifully lived leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew her.
The family requests that instead of funeral flowers memorial gifts in her honor be made to Tempe Community Action Agency, 1555 N. Bridalwreath Tempe AZ 85288.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, 10 a.m. in the Agave Room, Mariposa Garden, 6747 E Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206.
The Messenger