Mary Ronda Barnes
June 29, 1949 – September 25, 2025

Mary Ronda Barnes was born June 29, 1949, in Malad City, Idaho. She was born to parents LaMar and Lila Lewis Barnes. Ronda spent her first year or so living in Malad with her mother, while her father worked on the farm and built their home. He came to Malad on weekends when things weren’t busy. By 1951 they were all together at their home in Cambridge, northeast of Downey, Idaho. She was her Dad’s shadow until she started school. Of course, she had to learn to share him before that, as her sister Trudy was born in 1953, followed by her brothers: Tom, in 1957, Rory in 1963, and Chad in 1969.

She attended Downey Elementary, Downey Jr. High and Marsh Valley High School, graduating in 1967. She attended Ricks College (BYU-I) on a journalism scholarship for two years and then transferred to Idaho State University where she majored in History and minored in US Government and English. She received her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. She began her teaching career in 1972 at the Downey Jr. High and moved to Marsh Valley Jr. High (Marsh Valley Middle School) and then to Marsh Valley High School where she taught Advanced Placement English 12, English 12, Honors English 11, English 11, US Government and U.S History. She worked for Marsh Valley High School District for 34 Years, retiring in 2006. A great 34 years with lots of friendships made and great students taught. Thirty-four years of bribing nieces, nephews and students to help decorate her classroom every month. Ronda enjoyed decorating for every season and occasion.

In September of 2006 she changed careers and worked for her cousin (BJ Barnes and Sons Trucking) in the front office for three and a half years. Back surgery had her retiring again.

While working at the high school she had the opportunity to do one of her favorite things, she was the chaperone for what was called the Lady Liberty Tour. (The American Heritage Tour). She accompanied students on tours of Washington D.C., New York City, Boston, Plymouth, Philadelphia and Gettysburg. Traveling was one of her greatest passions. In July of 2006, Ronda, Trudy, Rory and his wife, Sandy went to Italy to pick up her nephew from his mission. In 2008 Ronda, Trudy, Chad and his wife, Jane made a trip to Alaska. In 2014 she traveled to Hawaii with Trudy, Chad and Jane. She really enjoyed Hawaii so returned two more times, once in 2017 with her nieces, Shannon, Brianne and Andee. And again in 2020 with her niece Karissa.

Her favorite things to do besides traveling were reading, scrapbooking, Genealogy, embroidery work and quilting. She also loved to get together with friends she taught with and go to dinner and shopping with anyone that wanted to go. Her motto: Shop Till you drop or until the Money Runs Out.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attending Downey First Ward her entire life. She was called to various positions within the ward, teaching Gospel Doctrine classes, she inherited from her Grandfather Warren O. Barnes. She was also a visiting teacher for over 25 years, with her friend, Marcia Nielsen. She was called to be the Relief Society President in 2009 and received her temple endowments on August 15th, 2009. Her last assignment was teaching Relief Society lessons. She was released when her health prevented her from continuing.

Ronda joined DUP in 1991, at the urging of some of her former teachers. She served as secretary since 1991 with the exception of four years when she served as Captain. Over the last several years, she rotated positions with each year’s startup. She was proud of her pioneer heritage.

On September 25, 2025, on her father’s birthday, Mary Ronda Barnes, united with her eternal family, following several months of complicated health issues. She is survived by her siblings, Trudy Barnes, Thomas LaMar Barnes (Janice), and Chad Dee Barnes (Jane). Plus, numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Lila and LaMar Barnes and her brother Rory Lewis Barnes.

The Barnes family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr. Travis Nielsen for his compassion and meticulous care of Ronda over the last 3 years. He went above and beyond; to see she had the best care. We also want to acknowledge our sister-in-law, Jane Barnes, who once more stepped into the breach and graciously and lovingly, provided Ronda the best nursing care those last few nights of her life. Thanks, are also extended to the numerous specialists and the caregivers at Quinn Meadows Rehab and Care Center. We appreciate the care they provided.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Downey LDS Church. Viewings will be held Thursday evening from 7-8 P.M. and again prior to the service from 10:30-11:30 A.M.