Janet L. (Speer) Barnes

Janet Louise “Jay” Barnes of Harrisville went to be with her Lord and Savior the afternoon of Saturday July 13, 2024 at Grove Manor Nursing Center in Grove City.

Janet was born on May 15, 1924 in Harrisville to the late William Kennedy Speer and Kathleen Ruth Hogue Speer.  She was the 2nd of 6 children, Ruth Ella, Mary Frances, William, John and David. Janet served the Lord all her life, all 100 years.  She was the last Charter member of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Harrisville.  She joined Faith OPC in Harrisville in 1936 at the age of twelve.  Her parents donated land in 1966 where two churches (Faith OPC and New Hope OPC) joined to become Calvary OPC.  Janet served as Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent leading young children in singing for many years.  She was a member of the Ladies Missionary Society.  She enjoyed singing with her family and continued her love of music by listening to gospel music by The Gaither’s.  She had many of their CDs and DVDs. She enjoyed crocheting afghans, scarves, Christmas stockings and made quilts.  She spent many years doing ceramics.  She was generous in her giving of these gifts to her family and friends. Janet was well known for her “slippets”, (home made noodles).  They were the best! A Speer tradition was started by Janet and her brothers and sisters to cook for everyone on Thanksgiving.  This tradition continues on to this day. Janet retired from the cafeteria staff of Slippery Rock Area School District having worked at the Har-Mer School in Harrisville.  She worked along side her best friend, Velma Barr. Janet married Robert P. Barnes in 1942.  Bob was a widower with a young son, Bobby.  Janet and Robert had three more sons, Richard “Dick”, William Sylvan “Van”, and Bruce.  They brought their boys up in a God-fearing home.  Her husband, Bob, served as a deacon and her son Bobby served as a deacon and elder at Calvary.  Her son, Dick serves as an elder and leads the deacon board at Cornerstone PCA in Ohio and son, Van served as deacon and elder at Calvary PCA in NJ.  Many other members of her family are still actively serving the Lord at Calvary OPC in Harrisville.  

Janet is survived by three sons: Robert Lee (Linda) Barnes of Harrisville, Richard P. (Margaret) Barnes of Boardman, OH and Dr. William Sylvan “Van” (Jenifer) Barnes of Stuart, FL; eight grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are one sister, Mary Frances Urbach Parry of Youngstown, OH and two sisters-in-law, Gladys Speer of Slippery Rock and Andrea Speer of New Castle, DE and several nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Robert P. Barnes, who passed away October 11, 1995; one son, Stanley Bruce Barnes; three brothers, William Arthur Speer, John Boggs Speer and David Dale Speer, and one sister Ruth Ella Jaskol.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Grove Manor Nursing Center and the Hospice Staff from New Castle for the exceptional care of Janet. 

Burial was held privately in Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday August 3, 2024 at Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church 443 N. Main Street Harrisville, PA 16038.

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