Eloise Jeanette Barnes, age 99, died peacefully on November 23, 2023, in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born May 27, 1924, in Eminence, Missouri. Beginning in her early years, she was drawn to animals. Cows, horses, chickens, goats, birds, dogs, you name it, she loved it all.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Juritta Thoele, of Arnold, MO; her grandchildren, Loudonna (Clayton) Mahan, Lorna (George) Kennedy, Delinda (Perry) Dixon, Ashley (Rob) Evans, and Shannon (Bryan) Capriglione; 14 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Edith Lela Spurgeon; father, Will Ray Spurgeon; husbands, Clifford Goforth and James Leslie “Bo” Barnes; and her beloved son, Robert “Donald” Goforth.
Eloise and her husband, Bo Barnes, were in the show business and spent many years traveling the West together. They put on acts that primarily featured dogs and horses. The two main acts included “Titan” the dog, and “Flicka” the horse. These were such fond memories that Eloise reflected on for many years to come.
In the years following, Eloise enjoyed spending many weekends shopping with her mother, Edith, and daughter, Juritta. They frequently visited the Dairy Isle in Eminence and shared many memories gathered around the dinner table. Eloise loved to cook and loved to bake even more. Oftentimes, she would bake 4 or 5 pies when expecting guests, even when it was only one or two people joining her.
Eloise had a passion for animals that was unparalleled. Her happy place was sitting down on the couch, surrounded by her dogs that she loved so much. Her smile was contagious. Her love for her children was practically tangible. She was authentic and always said what was on her mind. Eloise was truly one-of-a-kind. Even to her last day on this earth, she was as sharp as a tack and had a fiery spirit. She will be missed dearly by those who knew her.
Graveside services for family and friends will take place at the New Eminence Cemetery on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 11:00 am, with Michael Collins officiating under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Open Door Animal Sanctuary https://odas.org/donate/ Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
