Bessie Barnes

PATTON, Mo. -- Bessie "Jane" Barnes, 77, of Las Cruces, N.M., died Friday, Feb. 16, 2007, at Trinity Haven Health Center in Midland, Texas. She was formerly of Marble Hill and Patton, Mo.

She was born Sept. 26, 1929, daughter of the Rev. Charles R. and Mary Ethel Bell Baker. She married Otis Barnes.

Mrs. Barnes attended Southeast Missouri State University and New Mexico State University at Las Cruces. She was employed by Bell Telephone and later graduated with honors from Las Cruces Police Academy. She was employed with Las Cruces Police Department 25 years. She was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

During her retirement she delighted in her grandchildren, home, pets, and flowers, enjoyed playing bingo and visiting family. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include a son, John Richard Barnes of Las Cruces; a daughter, Beth (Rob) McAlpine of Midland; three granddaughters, Ashley Jane McAlpine of Midland, Chelsea and Mindy Barnes of Truth or Consequences, N.M.; two grandsons, John Christopher McAlpine of Midland and Sean Barnes of Truth or Consequences; three sisters, Ethel Baker and Mable Sample of Patton, Thelma Stone of Chaffee, Mo.; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Frank Barnes; four brothers, the Rev. Charles Elmer Baker, Robert Leslie Baker, Joseph Baker and the Rev. Samuel Baker; and a sister, Frances Lucille May.

A memorial service is planned later at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

Pipkin Funeral Home in Midland is in charge of arrangements.

Cards or memorials may be sent to Mrs. Rob McAlpine, 2317 W. Cuthbert, Midland, Texas, 79701.