Marian Barnes, 89 of Ashland, NE passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at the Gretna Community Living Center in Gretna, NE.  She was born January 21, 1930 in Craig, IA to John and Maria (Gerdes) Groenjes.

Marian’s family moved to Ashland when she was in the 7^th grade. She and her siblings came home from school and taught English to their parents who emigrated to the United States from Germany. Marian was never fond of school but excelled at Volleyball and was named “Best Female Athlete” in her senior year Ashland High School.  On September 16, 1950 Marian was united to Robert “Bob” Barnes in Ashland, from this union three children were born, Julie, Diane and Jeff.

Marian had a varied career working as a telephone operator, a cook at the school cafeteria, Mead Lumber Company, a designer at Art’s Floral Shop and a secretary at Lee Sapp Ford.

She was famous for her baking abilities and for sharing her creations.  Her cinnamon rolls were legendary and she won numerous ribbons at the Ashland Fine Arts Fair.  She was known also to be seen wearing her diamonds on her fingers and eating ice cream.  She was a member of Word of Hope Lutheran Church in Ashland.

Marian is survived by her children, Julie Barnes of Ashland, Diane (Joe) Greiner of La Vista, Jeff (Colleen) Barnes of Lincoln; grandchildren, Justin (Jennie) Scheel, Linzey (George) Arent, Ben (Tiffany) Barnes, Lucas Barnes, Bailey (Ryan) Mikus; step-grandchildren, Beth (Jason) Rutar, Richard (Laura) Greiner; great-grandchildren, Allie & Carter, Scheel, Elliott Arent, Hunter, Gibsyn, & Gracelyn Barnes, step-great-grandchildren, Cooper & Maxwell Greiner, Alexis, Jenna, McKinzie & Larissa Rutar; sisters, Gert Remmers, Chris Tillman, JoAnn Horton; brother, Bob (Lynn) Groenjes; sister-in-law, Marie Groenjes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Barnes; parents, John and Maria Groenjes, sisters, Anna Weaver, Lena Jones; brothers, Johnny Groenjes, Gerhard Groenjes.