Martha Irene Barnes, 99, Warsaw, died in the early hours of Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw.

Martha was born on Jan. 29, 1918 in Sidney to Charles and Flossie (Johnson) Leiter. She spent most of her lifetime in Kosciusko County.

On Oct. 13, 1935, she was married to Howard “Barney” Barnes in Pierceton. The two would share 64 years together before his passing on May 31, 2000.

Although she held several jobs, Martha was a cashier at Owen’s in Warsaw, retiring in 1980. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and had been active there as a Senior Ambassador. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and flower gardening. She was a strong-willed person with a good heart often visiting the ill and shut-ins with her dog, Muffin.

Those who survive include her son, Jerry (Betty) Barnes, Rochester; four grandsons: David (Teresa) Barnes, Columbia City, Rodney (Ethel) Barnes, Warsaw, Craig (Ginger) Barnes, Warsaw, and Tony (Deb) Barnes, Warsaw; two step-granddaughters: Debbie (Robert) Croussore, Rochester, and Peggy (Tim) Bailey, Tippecanoe; two great-grandchildren: Braxton Barnes, Warsaw, and Kristen (Ryan) Connor, Hawaii; a great-great-granddaughter, Alexa Connor of Hawaii and brother, Max (Doris) Leiter of Sidney. Also surviving are several step-great-grandchildren, step-great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Barney, those who preceded Martha in death include her parents, Charles and Flossie, two brothers, Raymond and Eugene Leiter, and a sister, Deloris Gaff.

A funeral service celebrating her life will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, May 5 in Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw, with First Baptist’s Pastor Steve Rahn officiating. Visitation will take place for two hours prior with burial following in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Missions Fund at First Baptist Church, 2819 Patterson Road, Warsaw, IN 46582.

The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege to care for the family and friends of Martha Irene Barnes.