Janine Helen Barnes

     Janine Helen Barnes, age 73, of Ithaca, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Divine Living Center in Mt. Pleasant, MI.
     A Memorial Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5–8 P.M.
      Janine was born on October 3, 1951, in Tucson, AZ, the daughter of J.C. Lloyd and Violet Lowery. As the daughter of an Air Force serviceman, she lived in many places across the United States during her childhood. She graduated from Armijo High School in Fairfield, California, where she met the love of her life, Robert Barnes. He would drive by on his motorcycle every day just to see her, and their story began. After graduation, Janine moved to Michigan, and on January 30, 1971, she married Robert. They shared a beautiful life together until his passing on January 30, 2015.
      Janine enjoyed reading, watching scary movies, and listening to The Beatles. She was also a fan of the Detroit Tigers, bluegrass music, playing cards, camping, and attending concerts. She especially loved playing Euchre with her friends and family, and she was known for always winning at the game of trivia. Janine also enjoyed cooking homemade meals for her family and preparing holiday celebrations, which brought everyone together around her table. She watched over and helped raise her grandchildren, always finding joy in being surrounded by her family. She truly lived life to the fullest.
     She is survived by her children: Matt Barnes of Ithaca, MI; and Jackie Barnes (Kevin Taylor) of Lake Isabella, MI. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Lindsey (Dan) Zajac, Dylan (Leann) Barnes, Ashley (Zach) O’Connor, Devin Barnes (Ashley Parks), and Katelynn Barnes; and her great-grandchildren: Atlas, Liam, Paisley and Maela. Janine was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert Barnes.
     Her love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. As she always believed, in the words of The Beatles: “All you need is love.”
      Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.