Connie Gates Barnes, age 89, died on January 12, 2024. She was born May 7, 1934 in Ross County Ohio, to Ernest and Marie Graves Gates. She was a graduate of Chillicothe High School in 1952. She married John W. Barnes on March 6, 1955 at Trinity United Methodist Church by the Reverend Harry Baker. She is survived by her husband, John, and her two sons, John Michael, and Mark Alan Barnes of Chillicothe.

One brother, Warren Gates, and four sisters, Helen Marie Smith, Dorothy Sewards, Jean Boyles, and Marjory Gates, preceded her. She is survived by her brother, Larry Gates, and his wife Mary. She was a member of Nathaniel Massie Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She Co-founded the Vintage Motor Bike Club with her husband, John, in 1972. Together, they both helped organize the annual Liberty Fractional reunion. She enjoyed Civil War re-enacting with her husband. She returned to work after her children were grown, and retired from the Ross County Board of Elections.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in Greenlawn Cemetery, Chillicothe with Pastor Aaron Hines officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.  Preparations for a meal following the service are being planned.  If you plan to join the family at the meal following the service, please RSVP by calling the Ware Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  Friends of Hospice, Adena Health Foundation, 272 Hospital Road, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

You may sign her online register at www.warefh.com