Ellen Jean Barnes

Ellen Jean (Galusha) Barnes, 86, of Kingston, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at the Alliance Hospital in Durant, Oklahoma. She was born on October 16, 1939, in North Adams, Massachusetts, to the late Brigadier General Mark Hampton Galusha (Ret.) - Air Force and Marion Catherine (McGrath) Galusha. Ellen was raised in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where she lived until 1945, when her family moved to Virginia. She graduated in 1958 from Wakefield High School, Wakefield, Virginia. In 1959 Ellen married John S. Guthrie, Jr., with whom she had three children, and years later met the love of her life, David Barnes and they were married in October 1992. Ellen began working with children with special needs in 1970. In 1976, she began a career in the insurance industry, eventually becoming an insurance broker and a certified insurance counselor before retiring in 1997. Throughout her life, Ellen lived in nine different states before eventually making her home in Kingston. Shortly after moving to Kingston, Ellen and David joined First Baptist Church, where Ellen was baptized one month later. Not long after joining the church, she became the church treasurer, a position she faithfully served in for many years. Ellen enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Kingston Fire Auxiliary. She will be remembered for her caring heart, her dedication to others, and the love she had for her family and community.

Ellen is survived by her husband, David Barnes; her children, Diana Marie Hanrahan (Joe), Mary Ellen Kanne (Chris), and Michael John Guthrie (Lori); her stepchildren, Mark Barnes, Susie Cammarata, and David M. Barnes; her grandchildren, Samantha Robbins, Alexandra Hooker, Sarah Lopez, Garrett Kanne, and Erica Guthrie, along with four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Arthur Galusha and Neil Galusha.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church, Kingston, Oklahoma. Service will be officiated by Steve Beebe. Services under the direction of Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Oklahoma.