Pat Barnes

Patricia Carman Barnes passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her three daughters after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on April 29, 1937, in Lewistown, Montana, she was one of five children of Charles and Virginia Delaney. After attending St. Leo’s High School in Lewistown and Eastern Montana College in Billings, Pat became a primary school teacher in Nashua and Glasgow, where she taught for five years.

In 1960, she married the love of her life, Gail Ross Barnes, in Lewistown. Together they purchased a small ranch near Christina, Montana, along with the Christina Store and Post Office, where Pat served as postmaster. In 1971, they bought the Bar LC Ranch near Hilger, where they raised their three daughters, Lori, Debbie, and Cindy, who were the pride and joy of their lives. In 1985, they sold the ranch and moved to Billings, where Pat lived for the remainder of her life. She and Gail shared 40 years of marriage until his death in 2001.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Pat was actively involved with St. Thomas Church in Billings for many years. She was a talented and creative soul who found joy in painting, drawing, embroidery, reading, puzzles, ceramics, quilting, and playing guitar. Her daughters and grandchildren treasure the beautiful pieces she created. Above all, Pat’s greatest love was her family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters held a cherished place in her heart.

Pat spent her final three years at St. John’s United in Billings, where she enjoyed live music, often singing along and occasionally dancing. She is survived by her daughters, Lori (Randy Kuehn), Debbie Barnes Walker, and Cindy (Tim Jacobsen); six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Daisy Delaney (Rob). She was preceded in death by her husband, Gail Barnes; her parents, Charles and Virginia Delaney; her brother, Jerry; and her sisters, Shirley Wambeke and Virgie Pigeon.