Gwenneth J. Barnes (nee Crass), age 78, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, March 17, 2023. Survived by her children Jayne (John Sims) Barnes, Sue (Richard) Knaperek, Diane (Matthew) Barnes-Maguire and Leo Jr. "Jamie" (Susan) Barnes, grandchildren William "Keith" Cosmen, Kevin (Karen) Cosmen, Karl Cosmen, Matthew Maguire Jr., Collin Maguire, Wyatt Barnes and Eva Faith Barnes, two great grandchildren Emaira Cosmen and Henry Leo Cosmen, her siblings G. Carol Harmon and Joseph (Carl Goad) Crass brothers-in-law Jesse Barnes and Terry (Shirley) Barnes, sister-in-law Doris Thomas and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by her parents Keith and Anna Belle Crass, her husband Leo Barnes Sr. (2022), and her brother William Crass. Gwen was a graduate of Lincoln-Way Central High School Class of 1962. She then attended college and received her associate degree in business. Gwen was a stay at home mom when her kids were young, but she did all but stay at home. She was very active in all her children's activities including room mother, brownie troop and girl scout troop leader, Manhattan Band Boosters and biggest cheerleader at all her children's and grandchildren's sporting events to name a few. Gwen then held various positions at multiple places including; paraprofessional for Lincoln-Way Special Education Co-op, Manhattan Book Keeping, and "Lunch Lady" and Custodian for Anna McDonald. Gwen was also known as the "Village Seamstress" as she enjoyed sewing. She was also a babysitter for countless children in Manhattan including her grandchildren. Later in life Gwen was an active member of the Manhattan American Legion Post #935 Ladies Auxiliary and she was a proud supporter veterans. Gwen will be remembered for her unassuming and humble way, her gentle spirit, and her true kindness toward others. Visitation for Gwen will be on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 3-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Funeral service will take place the following day, Friday, March 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. also at the funeral home with Rev. Carol Currier-Frighetto officiating. Gwen will then be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband Leo at Woodlawn Memorial Park I, Joliet. If you are unable to attend the funeral service for Gwen and would like to attend virtually, please click on the webcast link below this obituary. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gwen's name to Manhattan American Legion Post #935 Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 171, Manhattan, IL 60442. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forysthegouldfh.com.