Helen Ruth Barnes, 77, of Fort Smith passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 in Ft. Smith. She was born December 24, 1944 in Many, LA to D.J. and Exie (Brumley) Cardin. Helen was a retired kindergarten and 1st grade teacher; she substituted a variety of grade levels for many years in the Fort Smith Public Schools. More importantly, she was a great mom, “mimi” and matriarch of the Barnes household. She fulfilled her Daddy’s wishes and became the first college graduate in her family graduating in 1966 from the Southern State College in Magnolia, AR. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James Cardin.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years Dr. Ford Barnes; one son, Todd Barnes (Amy) of Fort Smith; one daughter Tracy Bailey (Scott) of Asheville, NC; one sister, Jeanette Cardin of Lubbock, TX and three grandchildren, Emma Rose Barnes, Jack Cardin Barnes and William Barnes Dunn.

Memorial graveside service will be 9:00 AM Friday September 23, 2022 at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith.

Memorials may be made to either, Kitties and Kanines 4300 Phoenix Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 or to the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club 4905 North “O” Street Fort Smith, AR 72904.