Age 82, of Elmira, New York, went to be with her Lord and Savior, on May 5, 2026. Born November 23, 1943 in Farmington Township, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Irene (Brimmer) Carl. She was a compassionate and loving saint of God. She served in her church, and worked as a nanny, a factory worker, roofer alongside her husband, cook, a substitute teacher's aide, and was an entrepreneur. She enjoyed writing poems, hospitality, baking, sewing, doing puzzles, reading, planning parties, singing and dancing, politics, history, studying the Bible, spending time with her family, traveling, camping, and summers at the Glory Barn, in Alba, PA. She was also predeceased by her loving husband, John Garry Barnes; her daughter, Brenda Lea Burnett; her siblings, June Taylor, Gordon Carl, Howard Carl, Keith Carl, Robert Carl, Stanley Carl, Margaret Kastenhuber, and Ronald Carl; her granddaughter, Monica Mae Ruger. She is survived by her loving children, son, Alonzo Barnes of Elmira, and daughters, Millicent Ruger (Dave Hirtler) of Horseheads, Dollie (Harold) Freeman of Charles City, VA, Joni (Fred) Butler of Columbia Cross Roads, PA; her grandchildren, Candace (David) Cunningham, Ricky (Janet) Ruger, Ferris (Ashley) Burnett, Cassondra (Paul) King, Micah (Ashley) Freeman, Cameron (Brianna Piersimoni) Barnes, Mathias Freeman, Aliyah (Christopher) Bathgate, Marissa (Emiliano) Mallare, Frederick Butler III, Manoah Freeman, Jonny Butler, Sarah Butler; her great-grandchildren, Troy Cunningham, Summer Cunningham, Addison Schmidt, Alivia Ruger, Gabriel Freeman, Adrianna Bathgate, Isaac Freeman, Deacon King, and Clara Ruger; and her siblings, Larry Carl and Laura Cornwell. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Ruth on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Abundant Life Church,155 Lenox Avenue Horseheads, NY 14845. Her friend and Pastor, David Swartwood will officiate. The Celebration will continue in the church hall where light refreshments will be served.

"You're God's gift to me!"