San Bernardino County Obituaries Beverly �Bee� Barnes Submitted by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter. All persons donating to this site retain the rights to their own work. "Big Bear Grizzly"; Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Beverly �Bee� Barnes, long-time resident of Big Bear Valley, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at her residence in San Bernardino, surrounded by her family. She was 88. Beverly Grant Akers was born January 11, 1921, in Huntington, W.V., the daughter of Emma and Jack Akers. The family moved west when she was very young, and she spent her childhood in mostly Calif. locations as her father followed work in the oil fields. Late in childhood, she suffered the loss of her mother and separation from her father and only sibling. Her teen years were ones of hardship and struggle. With great determination she overcame these circumstances and set goals for herself. She graduated from Anaheim HS, Pomona JC and Orange Co. General Hospital School of Nursing (now a part of UCI) with honors. Upon completion of her R.N. training during WWII, she married Quinton "Bud" Barnes, with whom she�d been marginally acquainted since childhood. He had asked for her hand earlier, but she refused until her goal was fulfilled. During their 64-year marriage they made homes in three countries and numerous states in the western U.S., as Bud�s engineering career led them to his varied job sites. Bee coordinated the moves like a science, each one more complicated by their growing family. Their five children each have a different birth state. Through it all, Bee kept her nursing license current, worked from time to time in hospitals and volunteered in the Red Cross. In 1960 the family settled in Big Bear. Bee loved the mountains. While a mostly behind-the-scenes support to the family business of Community Market, she was happy to raise her family in Big Bear, and devoted her time and energy to them. During those years, she was a Cub Scout den mother, a Sunday school teacher at the United Methodist Church, a member of Rainbow Girl�s mother�s club, and a Bear Backer. She was also a promoter for the formation of Bear Valley Community Hospital, a volunteer with Bear Valley Historical Society and active with Dancing Bears until recent years. Bee was a founding member of Bear Valley�s United Methodist Church, and past officer of United Methodist Women. She was a brave-hearted woman, known for her quiet unassuming strength, a devoted wife and mother, dedicated community member, a true and gentle friend to all. She enjoyed traveling, reading and happy occasions with family and friends. In her zest for a full life, she learned snow skiing at Snow Summit at age 52. Her quick wit remained with her to the end. Bee was preceeded in death by her brother Wm Bill Akers, and her son-in- law David Knox. Survivors include her husband Q.R. Bud Barnes of San Bernardino and Big Bear, her sister-in-law Muriel Steele of Palm Springs and her children Kara Knox of Sitka, Alaska, Frank Barnes of Big Bear City, R.C. Rusty Barnes (wife Susie) of Big Bear Lake, Talley Hoffman (husband Greg) of Spokane, Wash., and Wm Bill Barnes (wife Debra) of Corona, Calif. Her grandchildren are Kevin Knox of Seattle, Wash., Erika Knox-Weiland of Sitka, Alaska, Cody Barnes of Poway, Calif., Chris Barnes of Big Bear City, Tracy Faux of Beverton, Ore., Eric Faux of Spokane, Wash., and Kimberly DeShasier of San Jose, Calif. Her great-grandchildren, Kobi Weiland, Anan Weiland, Daven Barnes, and Bryce Barnes also survive. It was her wish no formal services be held. A celebration of her life was held at the Villas in San Bernardino, and in Big Bear at the home of Rusty and Susie Barnes. The family may be contacted through them at P.O. Box 2808, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. Memorial contributions may be made to DOVES, 41943 Big Bear Blvd., BBL,CA 92315 or the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation on the Web at ww5.komen.org.