Rev. LaRue Annette (Olsen) Barnes passed away January 29, 2022, in Gilbert, Arizona.
Larue was born August 13, 1955, to George and Leona Olsen. Growing up in Cordova, she participated in many school activities graduating from Cordova High School in 1973. She attended Bethel Fellowship Bible college in Seattle Washington, making many lifelong friends she married Gary Barnes in 1976. They returned to Cordova in n 1983 to pastor the Little Chapel for over 30 years.
LaRue also worked at the Cordova Museum before becoming a contributing force in the development of the Ilanka Cultural Center. She served as both member and president of Museums Alaska and an original consultant for the Alaska display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Faithful in the hospital and children’s ministry, LaRue also supported and visited many missionaries abroad. She loved to travel.
LaRue was proceeded in death by her husband Gary and brother Georgie.
She is survived by her daughter Seana Barnes (and spouse), parents George and Leona Olsen, sister Lennette Ronnegard, nephews Erik and Steffan Ronnegard, niece Taylor Eisberg, mother in-law Wanda Barnes, brother in-law Stephen Barnes and her step grandsons Tyler Bieble and Jacek Grad, and many more extended family, church family and friends who became family.
Due to extenuating circumstances, a dual memorial for LaRue and Gary Barnes will be held later this spring. A specific date will be announced once the medical team has determined if their daughter Seana, is able to travel.
