Anita K. Barnes

Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:31

Anita K. Barnes of Kansas City passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the age of 71, surrounded by the love and memories of family and friends. Throughout her courageous battle with cancer, she demonstrated remarkable strength, grace, and determination that inspired all who knew her.

A compassionate caregiver by nature, Anita dedicated much of her life to serving others through nursing. She achieved her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification in 1992 and continued pursuing her passion for healthcare by earning her Registered Nurse (RN) degree in 2010. Her commitment to caring for others touched countless lives throughout her career.

On October 6, 2007, she married the love of her life, Kirby Barnes. Together they shared many adventures, especially their cherished motorcycle trips. She also took great pride in riding with the Patriot Guard Riders, honoring veterans and their service to the nation.

Anita found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved creating crafts, baking delicious treats for family and friends, and spending time with those she loved. Her warm spirit, generosity, and creativity will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kirby Barnes; her father, C. Leonard Wooldridge; her grandparents; aunt; uncle; and her beloved dogs, Gypsy and Dixie, who brought her years of companionship and joy.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Marty Campbell (Deanna), Stacey Carlson (Ryan), and Michael Campbell. She also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren and four beloved great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her mother, Marcine Wooldridge, of Warsaw, Missouri, and her brother, Gary Wooldridge (Janie) of Chicago, Illinois; as well as a host of treasured cousins, nieces, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of compassion, service, love, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 1, 2026 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 20109 MO-13 Bus, Higginsville, Missouri 64037.

A celebration of life will be on July 10, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Blue Springs Elks Lodge # 2509, meeting hall, 100 NE Brizendine Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64014.

The family welcomes donations to any of the following in lieu of flowers:

American Heart Association
300 S. Riverside Plaza
Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60606-6637
www.heart.org

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704
Hagerstown, MD 21741
cancer.org/donate

Patriot Guard Riders
patriotguard.org/donations/new-donation-form

Arrangements are in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, MO.