Luella Marie Barnes

Luella Marie Barnes, age 84, recently of Dayton, OH but an eighty-two-year resident of Mattoon passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, OH. A funeral service in her honor will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Ron Dickinson will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. The visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. Luella was born on March 3, 1941, in Humboldt, IL to the late Elbert Louis and Helen Marie (Rippey) Lilley. She married Robert James Barnes on June 14, 1959, in Humboldt, IL; he preceded her in death on January 8, 1988. She is survived by her son, Terry James Barnes of Dayton, OH; one brother, Raymond L. Lilley and wife Beverly of Union, MS; two sisters, Barbara R. Kjer of Fresno, CA, Donna J. Napier and husband Thomas of Champaign, IL; several nieces and nephews; ; and Hannah Lingg of Englewood, OH and Sara Cooper of West Milton, OH both of whom she embraced as her own granddaughters. Luella was a 1959 graduate of Mattoon High School and a 1990 graduate of Lake Land College in Mattoon, IL. Professionally she served her community as dispatcher for the Mattoon Police Department and the Coles County Jail. Her work in the community extended to S.S. Kresge, Gills Drive Inn, the Mattoon Garment Factory, Hoots Haus, and other establishments. Talented in the arts and crafts, Luella enjoyed pottery and ceramics; she also found joy in molding semi-precious metals and stones into stunning creations. Her love for watercolors was evident as she explored colors and contrasts. Her pieces were admired in numerous exhibitions, which was a testament to her skill. Luella also had a love for wildlife and animals, as she often donated to various charities contributing to their welfare. A cherished mother, sister, aunt and friend, Luella will be deeply missed, however the family will hold tight to the beautiful memories of her. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Luella Marie Barnes

March 3, 1941 - November 28, 2025