Johnson Funeral Service, Red Lake Falls, MN

Mary Kay Olson Barnes began her heavenly life on October 11, 2018 surrounded by family.

Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 15, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church in Red Lake Falls, MN.  Interment will be held at the Nisbet Cemetery rural East Grand Forks, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Mary Kay was born March 3, 1950 in Fargo, North Dakota to Elaine (Lee) and Kenneth Olson. She graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High, MN in 1968. She obtained her LPN in Wahpeton, ND and her RN in Brainerd, MN.

In 1982 she married Carter Barnes. Together they lived in Grand Forks, New York and finally settled in Tremont, Illinois. There they raised their daughter Lindsay who brought so much joy to their lives. Mary was very involved with Lindsay's activities and often took on leading girl scouts and even participated in her dance recitals. The family spent many vacations surf fishing at Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. Mary was proud of her pink fishing pole, baiting her own hook and her casting abilities.

Mary Kay was a person of faith and lived life serving others. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church she served as an Elder, Deacon, Confirmation teacher, sang in the choir and participated in the Presbyterian Women's Circle. Mary was also active in the weekly Bethany Lutheran Women's Bible Study and helped with Vacation Bible School.

Mary Kay was a kind, selfless woman who devoted her life to caring for her family and patients. She was a nurse for over forty years and worked in various departments including the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Room, Psychiatric Unit and at a Methadone Clinic.

Mary Kay met Denny Wilkens at the First Presbyterian Church and formed a special bond. In recent years they retreated to Arizona to escape the cold winter months. There she enjoyed Walk Away the Pounds exercise class five days a week, water exercise, going for walks, playing cards and dice, and was active in the choir.

Mary Kay will be greatly missed by: brothers Kenny Olson (Linda Pinta) of Minneapolis, MN; Richie Olson (Carol) of Bemidji, MN, and sister JoAnn Zutz (Marv) of Red Lake Falls, MN; nieces and nephews: Steve Olson (Rhonda); Ashley Miln (Brad); Kim Zarling (Ben); Al Zutz (Alanna); Steve Zutz (Lela); and Lee Zutz; great nieces and nephews: Karissa, Matt, Jake, Dominic, Mara, Camila, Gianna, Evan, and Ethan; great-great nephew: Luca; and special friend: Denny Wilkins.

Welcoming her to heaven: daughter Lindsay Barnes, husband Carter Barnes, parents Kenneth and Elaine Olson, nephews Jesse Olson and Brian Olson.

The family would like to thank everyone for all the thoughts, prayers, cards, and kind messages. A special thank you to the Altru Hospital staff that provided excellent care to Mary and support for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred in Mary Kay's name to Sunshine Hospitality Home, 933 Duke Drive Grand Forks, ND 58201. May her memory be blessed!