M. JEAN BARNES

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Jean Barnes, 87, died February 23, 2021. She was born Margaret Jean Reynolds on August 30, 1933, in Stewartville MN. The family moved to Rolla MO where she grew up on a farm, attended Rolla High School, excelling in sports, and graduated at age 15. She married Louis Ballance and they moved to Saint Louis, living there for a few years until moving to Kansas City, where Jean began working at AT&T. She worked there for over 30 years, becoming a supervisor in a financial accounting section. She was a diligent employee, never missing a single work day during her career with AT&T, and retired in 1989. Jean was an excellent bowler, bowling in several leagues in Kansas City and Bowlarama in Panama City. She was inducted into the Kansas Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1986. She also enjoyed golf, playing courses all over the country and especially liked playing at the Panama Country Club. Jean was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and held season tickets for over 50 years. She was a member of Saint Andrew United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Errol Barnes, of Panama City, daughter Sharon Ballance, of Montreal MO, daughter Karen Spielbusch, of Pittsburg KS, son Robert Ballance, of Kansas City MO, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family thanks Covenant Hospice for their thoughtful and compassionate care. Cremation will be by Wilson Funeral Home of Panama City. She was a marvelous, sparkling woman who is achingly missed. Godspeed, Maggie J.