Ronald Ray Barnes

Ronald R. Barnes was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on Aug 19th, 1954 to Raymond and Barbara Barnes.  Ron became the younger sibling to Linda, who was 6 years older.   His parents owned a Chicken Hatchery, among other things and Ron spent his childhood as a boy in a small mid-western town.  He helped his parents in the business, played saxophone in high school band and excelled in any type of higher math.  (he was very ‘Left Brained’!)   Ron enjoyed his summers spent in Haverhill, Iowa at the Jansen farm with his cousin Dave, who was more of a brother.  In 1972, he moved to Marshalltown to pursue an Associate Degree in Electrical Technology at Marshalltown Comm College.   That’s when Cupid struck an arrow in his heart for Monika Rauba and they married in 1974.  Ron worked at several places but eventually settled in at Deimco and was their Purchasing Agent for many years.   Ron and Monika were blessed with 3 children; Maia, Corine, and Travis.   Ron played on a softball team in Marshalltown sponsored by the Carolina Inn.   He also kept score at son Travis’ Little League games.   Ron was a lifelong super-fan of the Green Bay Packers team, as a matter of fact, he pretty much lived and breathed it.   His family life was graced with many friends of which he always kept in touch with.  Family life took a tragic and challenging turn in 1993 with Monika’s passing, but the family persevered with the ever rock-steady and dependable loving father Ron was. 

 Ron met his second wife Toni Benoit in 1994.   The colorful Colorado mountains were calling and they moved to Thornton in 2000.  There, Ron became a pro health insurance agent under the tutelage of his brother and sister in laws Carmen and Robert Tawney.  With his skills, Ron helped so many people navigate the daunting world of health insurance and found them affordable care.   Ron had impressive phone skills and composure, always polite, diplomatic and professional.  Travis and Maia went to Colorado as well.  Corine (now an adult) stayed back in Marshalltown to run her dog grooming business.   In the early 90’s Ron took up golf and boy was he hooked.  The Colorado weather being copasetic to outdoor activities, Ron played every chance he got with Robert and new buddies.  Ever the ‘left brain’ thinker, in the latter years he ‘marshalled’ at Eagle Trace golf course in order to earn free golf privileges.    He truly loved golf and was very good at it.  It provided him wonderful comradery with his buddies and a chance to challenge himself to be better.   Another passion of Ron’s were his cats.   Ron was a ‘cat magnet’.  Something he shared with his cousin Dave.  There was never a cat that didn’t take to Ron’s lap.  it seemed they sought him out.   Ron always said he thought it might be due to the fact that he is a “Leo” (born in August).   Ron loved watching shows that challenged his mind, Jeopardy for one, and he also loved to watch the science channel and anything related to Star Trek. 

Ron’s defining characteristics were; considerate, respectful, good listener, uncanny sense of human behavioral psychology, modest, non-judgmental and 100% of the time dependable.   He was a devoted partner and father who made his family feel loved and secure and that he had their backs.   Ron would wish for all of you to live life to the fullest, pursue your passions and love one another.   In the words of the great Spock “Live long and prosper “.

Left to cherish his memory are wife Toni, children Maia, Corine and Travis and his wife Ann.  Ron’s grandchildren Briona, Kanaan, Trevian, RayShaun, Ravyn, and Addyson.  Sister Linda Bucheit and family, the Tawney family, the Rauba family, the Jansen family, his golfing buddies, and his cats; Little Bear and Pepper.

Ron has joined first wife Monika, his parents, brother- in- law Larry and cousin Jane.

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