Louise Barnes

In Loving Memory of Ina Louise Walton Barnes 

November 13, 1942 – May 14, 2025

With boundless love and unwavering strength, Ina Louise Walton Barnes, 82, passed away peacefully at Quail Ridge in Pocatello, Idaho, on May 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and grace.

Louise was born on Friday, November 13, 1942, at Star Valley Hospital in Afton, Wyoming. She was the second child and eldest daughter of Parley Vern Walton and Ina Leora Anderson Walton. Her name honored her mother, maternal grandmother Louisa Mikesell Anderson, and great-grandmother Electa Louisa Lowder Walton.

She was raised in the picturesque Star Valley; Louise grew up surrounded by a close-knit family and many cousins. She attended elementary school in Afton through fourth grade before moving to Sage and then to Cokeville, Wyoming, where she completed her education. A dedicated student, Louise was a member of the National Honor Society, served as editor of the school newspaper, and was President of the Future Homemakers of America club, later becoming district president in her senior year. Her passion for learning was evident, and she aspired to work in an office setting, which led her to pursue bookkeeping and office practice courses during high school.

After high school, Louise worked as a bookkeeper and auditor for Beneficial Life Insurance Company in Salt Lake City. It was there that she met Gary Dean Barnes on a blind date. They became engaged on March 18, 1963, and married on June 21, 1963, in the Logan LDS Temple.

They began their married life in Salt Lake City. Gary enlisted in the Air Force Reserve. Louise lived with her brother and his wife during the 2 months Gary was gone. Then they moved to Centerville, Utah for a few months where their first child, Michael Dean, was born at Hill Air Force Base Hospital. After Gary was released from the Air Force Reserve, the family moved to Downey, Idaho.

In October 1964, Louise began her dedicated service as City Clerk in Downey, Idaho, a role she cherished for many years. Their family grew with the addition of each of their remaining six children, Michele, Brett William, Daniel Vern, Craig W, Camile, and Adrianna.

She was also deeply involved in her community, serving as a 4-H leader and in various capacities within her church, including Primary, Young Women, Cub Scouting, and Relief Society. She was a dedicated visiting teacher/minister and loved each she was called upon to minister for. Her love for gardening, sewing, cooking, and caring for her home and family was evident in all she did.

A highlight of Louise's life was her mission with Gary to Ghana in 2005, where they served as proselyting missionaries, worked with the Perpetual Education Fund, and organized missionary open houses throughout their mission area. Even though they returned in July 2006 due to health concerns, the extensive work they accomplished was more than most could dream of doing in 18 months. They later tirelessly served at the Logan Temple as officiators, a service they both cherished.

Louise is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Gary; her daughters: Michele (Twain) Hayden of Arbon, Idaho; Camile (Randy) Greaves of Grantsville, Utah; and Adrianna (Paul) Smith of Chubbuck, Idaho; a daughter in law, Michelle Barnes of Pocatello, Idaho; her sons: Michael Dean (Stephanie) of Provo, Utah; Daniel Vern (Melinda) of Rexburg, Idaho; Craig W (Brandalin) of Livermore, California; 26 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Melba Clark of Ogden, Utah, and Ida Walton of Cokeville, Wyoming.

She was preceded in death by her son, Brett William Barnes; her parents, Vern and Ina Walton; her brothers, Russell Vern Walton and Kirk Leron Walton; her sister and brother-in-law, Verdi and Bud Dayton; and a granddaughter, Savanah Mae Barnes.

As Louise’s family, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for the medical teams who doted after her these past four and a half months. Your care enriched this tender time for us. And to the friends and neighbors in Downey, your selfless service for Gary through meals and rides to Pocatello, we will always be grateful for the angelic support he received at your hands.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5-7 pm at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. Chubbuck, ID. Funeral services will be on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 12 pm at Downey Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 525 E. 1stN, with a viewing from 10-11:45 AM, prior to the services. The interment will follow at Cambridge Cemetery, Downey, Idaho.

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