Ruth Elaine Barnes

     A service for Ruth Barnes will be held at a later date.

     Ruth Elaine Barnes, 90 years of age, of Holdrege, formerly of Wilcox, Nebraska and Orleans, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Ruth was born on March 9, 1936, the third of four children born to James E. and Sadie L. (Steffy) Schroder. She received her education from Ragan Public Schools, and graduated as Valedictorian from Ragan High School, with the class of 1953.

     In 1954, Ruth was united in marriage to James L. Gustafson and the couple was blessed with three children: James H., Kimberly J., and Sherri L.

     In 1983, Ruth was united in marriage to Jimmy Ray Barnes, Sr., at North Park Assembly of God Church in Holdrege. The couple made their home in Wilcox, where they owned and operated the Wilcox Grocery Store. They later moved to Orleans. Following Jim’s death, Ruth moved to Kearney and lived with her son and his family. She loved the time spent with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When her son James died, she began to make her home in Holdrege, with her daughter and son-in-law.

     Ruth and Jim enjoyed traveling for his music career, locally and across the nation. She enjoyed the time traveling together, setting up for Jim’s performances, and she always had the best seat at the festivals and clubs he played in.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Duane Schroder; and Marvin Schroder; her husband, Jimmy, Sr.; and her son, James H. Gustafson.

     Ruth leaves to celebrate her life; her daughters: Kim Guyton and her husband, Lonnie Guyton of Holdrege; and Sherri Bertrand of Osborne, Kansas; a daughter-in-law, Jan Gustafson of McCook, Nebraska; seven grandchildren: Erin, Larissa, Jacob, Ethan, Brendan, Dakota, and Kalaya; six great-grandchildren: Slade, Jensen, Stella, Asia, Ronan, and Belle; her brother, Merle Schroder of North Platte, Nebraska; along with many extended family members.

     There will not be a visitation or viewing. The family has honored her wish for cremation.

     Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

     The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.