Mari Barnes, 65, of Grinnell, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.

A Celebration of Life with be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Grinnell Eagles Club.

Memorials in Mari's name (please make checks payable to Walter Barnes) may be mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Mari's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Marietta Jo Delk was born the daughter of Jack and Zella (Haines) Delk on December 31, 1957, in Grinnell, Iowa. She was raised and educated in Grinnell.

On December 15, 1983, Mari was united in marriage to Walter Barnes at their home in Montezuma. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Nathan and Matthew. They lived in Montezuma and later moved to Grinnell. Mari worked as a clerk at Casey's (west) in Grinnell for several years and she enjoyed visiting with folks as they stopped in to the store. Her enjoyments were camping, going for motorcycle rides, hanging out with friends at Rabbit's Tavern, putting together puzzles, playing board and card games, making Sunday lunch for her loved ones, and most importantly, time spent with her grandchildren, family and friends.

Mari is survived by her husband of 39 years, Walter Barnes of Grinnell; son, Nathan Barnes of Grinnell; grandchildren, Riley Barnes (12), Jo Lynn Barnes (10), and Mason Barnes (2); three step-grandchildren, Ryleigh Stevenson (19), Haylei Routier (18), and Kahlyr Stevenson (14); and her siblings, Jack "Butch" (Rhonda) Delk of Grinnell and Betty (Terry) Hall of Grinnell and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Zella (Haines) Delk; her son, Matthew Barnes; and her siblings, Ray Delk, Retha Morton, and Sharon Daughterty.