Diane Fontenot Barnes

Diane Fontenot Barnes
 
Diane F. Barnes, age 81, joined her husband in heaven on Friday, December 15th, 2023, at her Ponchatoula residence surrounded by her loving family.  Originally from Maurepas, she grew up picking strawberries before school. She enjoyed playing basketball for Maurepas High. Diane was a woman who was strong in her Catholic faith, with a natural gift of nurturing people and animals.  Diane enjoyed giving to many different charities, from ASPCA to Catholic organizations, to sponsoring children across the world.  She had a tender heart who would take in all the stray animals if they wandered her way.  She also enjoyed cooking big family meals, sewing, and gardening. Being of Cajun descent and of a country upbringing, family favorite meals included chicken and andouille gumbo, potato salad,  and mustard greens.  Diane was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxillary for many years.  She was most proud of her family and loved to talk to anyone about them.  Diane enjoyed vacations to the mountains, camping, and visiting historical sites.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to all who knew her and is already deeply missed.
 
She leaves behind her children, Cheri Barnes Basford (Rob) and Christopher "Brandon" Barnes (Jennifer); grandchildren, Aubree and Brooks; sister-in-law, Marsha Barnes; best friend, Susan Smith; dozens of cousins as well as her 4 kitty cats.
 
Preceding her in death were her husband, who couldn't wait any longer for her to arrive in heaven, Sidney Barnes; precious granddaughters, Addisyn and Brynlee; parents, Joseph Fontenot and Verlie Eliser Fontenot; in-laws, Birley Barnes and Irene Jones Barnes; brother-in-law, Frank "Glen" Barnes; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles; as well as several cats and dogs she took in over the years.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Wednesday, December 20th, 2023, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Visitation will resume on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow in Ponchatoula Cemetery.
 
Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes.