Susan Kristine Barnes

Susan Barnes, 65, of Mankato, Minnesota passed away at home on October 6, 2016 after a 7 year journey with ALS. She was diagnosed in November of 2009, and she felt blessed to have been given 3 more years on this earth than most with this disease. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 12 at Northview- North Mankato Mortuary in North Mankato. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Northview, and also one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Susan (Williams) Barnes was born March 7, 1951 in Mankato, Minnesota. She graduated 1969 from Mankato High School. She liked collecting anything, doing everything and going everywhere.  She enjoyed downhill skiing, knitting socks, making jewelry, and doing many different activities with her daughters, family, and friends. She traveled all over, visiting Disney World, Europe, and Colorado. She was always ready to go, a passport was all she needed. She truly loved life.

ALS offered her a different life: time to think, pray and tell people she loved them.  She never got over being in control, and worked hard to give up that control, but some days were impossible for Sue.

Sue is survived by her husband Terry; daughters Kristy Barnes, and Anne Barnes. Her mom Muriel Henderson; mother-in-law Florence Barnes; sister Julie Schiller (Scott) , brothers Bill (Lori) Rykhus and Jim Rykhus; nieces  Missy, Kelly, Jessica,  Heather , Lacey and nephew  Kyler. Brother-in-law Larry (Becky), sisters-in-law Ranae Trumbull, and Lisa (Ray) Winters; and many more nieces and nephews. And of course her precious dogs, Abigail and Wesley. Also, thanks to all of my Facebook friends, you gave me hope!

She is preceded in death by too many loved family and friends to list.

Special thanks to the late Pat Matjeck because without her, this journey with ALS would have been worse.

Thank you to Father Ted Hottinger and Deacon John, who were my saviors.

Sue had ALS for so long, that there are many special friends, relatives, and other unforgettable individuals that need to be thanked and for that: thanks a million! You know who you are!