Joan “Joey” Barnes

Joan “Joey” Barnes, 90, of Libby, Montana, passed away on Aug. 7, 2025, at the Libby Care Center. She was born March 22, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, to Joseph T. and Jean E. (Spenker) Koller. 

Joey graduated from Santa Monica High School and Santa Monica College.

She married Ronald A. Barnes on Sept. 4, 1957, in Pacific Palisades, California. Joey worked for the Boeing Space Medicine Program and McDonnell Douglas in Seattle, Washington.

In 1969, she and Ron purchased McCarthy Drugs in Pacific Palisades and later opened Palisades Drugs, operating it with Jay and Judy Steuerwald until 1995.

Joey was truly a “California Girl,” but had a great love for Montana. She was an accomplished horseback rider and an award-winning artist, who shared her creativity through drawing and painting. She was also a proud member of American Legion Posts 283 (California) and 97 (Montana).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; brother-in law, Robert (Tryn) Barnes; “other mother” Marie Koller; niece Jini (Barnes) Huth; and her cousin Gloria Woehler.

She is survived by cousins Tom Koller, Joanie Woehler; families of Tracie (Joni) Barnes, Chris (Barnes) Andrusco (Cort); Holly Decker, Russ (Brenda) Kirkham, Justin Barnes, Juli (Brent) Cooper, Anika (Josh) Conrad, along with extended family and friends who will miss her vibrant spirit.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.