IN MEMORIAM: Debbi M. Barnes, 65;

Retired Payroll Director, Fox Hospital

ONEONTA – Debbi M. Barnes, 65, retired payroll director at Fox Hospital, passed away peacefully surrounded by her treasured family and friends on Jan. 13, 2019, following a brief battle with cancer.

She was born on Jan. 15, 1953, in Sidney, the daughter of Zane and Marguerite Raudibaugh.

Debbi graduated from Oneonta High School in 1971. It was there in 1969 that Debbi, a member of the color guard, began dating her high school sweetheart, and football player, Louie Barnes. The two married shortly after graduation on Aug. 7, 1971, at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. They remained devoted to one another and their children for the next 47 years.

Debbi, a full-time working mother, found the time to pursue her education after high school. She worked tirelessly to graduate from the Utica School of Commerce with a degree in business. The culmination of her efforts was becoming an American Payroll Institute Certified Payroll Professional in 2010.

Debbi had a long and accomplished career as an employee of Fox Hospital. Over the course of 40 years, she worked in many capacities to include unit secretary, insurance verification and, after 20 years, as the payroll director, she retired to spend time with family and friends. Following her retirement Debbi took part-time work at ONC BOCES in the media library.

While Debbi will be remembered by many as a consummate professional, she will be remembered by those closest to her as a devoted, wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She spent countless hours preparing her famous spaghetti sauce and trays of Italian cookies as an act of love. Her door was always open to those she loved. She proudly attended each and every ball game and school event for her children, a tradition she joyfully carried on with her grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews.

Debbi loved to visit new places. She was most at peace when visiting the beach, relaxing in the sun. In her retirement, she enjoyed many trips with her lifelong friends, all of whom were by her side in her last moments.

Debbi leaves behind her loving husband of 47 years, Louie M Barnes; son Scott James Barnes and his wife Beth of Albany; daughter Lori Sue Barnes of Oneonta; cherished grandchildren Anthony, Alexandra and Katelyn; sister Marietta Maben; brother Brian Raudibaugh and his wife, Deborah; sisters-in-law Barbara Hoag and Christine Haines; brother-in-law, Barry Barnes and his wife, Jennifer and two generations of loving nieces and nephews.

Debbi was predeceased by her parents, Zane and Marguerite Raudibaugh; mother and father-in-law, Louis and Marjorie Barnes; and brother, Zane Raudibaugh.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 18, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Judith Thistle, Fox Hospital chaplain, officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. when the family will be in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the American Cancer Society. The family asks that you carry on her memory by spending time with the ones you love. Eat together, laugh together, celebrate together. It is in these moments that she will live on in all of us.

To light a candle or send an online condolence, visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.