Ramona Barnard

Funeral services for Ramona Barnard, 94, of Knoxville, will be held Tuesday, June 30,
2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Apostolic Church in Knoxville. Family will receive friends at
the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. A luncheon and continued time
of fellowship will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Apostolic
Church of Knoxville and will be designated to missions in Japan.
Ramona Darlene Wagner was born August 30, 1931, in Dallas, Iowa, to Ernest and
Erma (Shore) Wagner. As the oldest of thirteen children, she learned early the value of
hard work, responsibility, and caring for others. She grew up in the Melcher-Dallas area
and attended school with the Dallas High School Class of 1949.
On July 13, 1947, Ramona married Robert “Bob” Mackey in Millerton, Iowa. Together
they welcomed four children: Dale, Carol, Robin, and Bob. During Bob’s military service
in both World War II and the Korean War, Ramona faithfully followed him whenever
possible as they built a home in several states and even spent time living in Japan. After
his military service ended, they settled near Pershing and raised their family. Their
twenty-six years together were filled with love, hard work, and shared experiences
before Bob’s passing on August 13, 1973.
Ramona found love again and married Eugene Barnard on April 7, 1979. Their journey
together took them to Lake Panorama, Mount Vernon, and eventually Florida. While
living in Panora, Ramona worked for the Internal Revenue Service for nine years. Later,
she completed training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and devoted herself to
caring for others, continuing that work in Florida until retiring at the remarkable age of
75. Eugene and Ramona shared thirty-three wonderful years together before his
passing on April 26, 2012.
Ramona was a gifted writer who found joy in putting thoughts and memories into words.
Several of her poems and articles were published over the years. She also enjoyed
gardening, sewing, reading, and traveling. Her family will always remember the warmth
of her kitchen, the smell of fresh baking, and the way she seemed to have an endless
supply of cookies waiting for her grandchildren.
More than anything, Ramona's life was rooted in her faith. She loved the Lord deeply
and was a faithful member of the Apostolic Church in Knoxville for many years. Her trust
in God carried her through life's blessings and hardships, and she shared that faith
through her kindness, encouragement, and service to others.
Ramona passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at West Ridge Nursing &
Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville, where she had resided for the past four years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Robin (Ed) Marshall; her
husbands, Robert Mackey and Eugene Barnard; and many beloved family members
who welcomed her home to Heaven.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Dale (Carole) Mackey, Carol (Larry) Gillis,
and Bob (Susan) Mackey; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-
grandchildren; her youngest sister, Esther Clarke; son-in-law Everett Provenzano; along
with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, church family, and dear friends.
Ramona’s legacy is one of faith, perseverance, love, and service. She leaves behind
generations of family who were blessed by her example and who will forever treasure
the memories she created with them.