In a small maternity home in Hubbard, Oregon, Nancy Ethel (Steffen) Barnes was born to Louie and Ethel (Reding) Steffen on October 2, 1942. Their first child, they brought her home to a farm just outside of Woodburn. They eventually had two more children, Melvin and Bill.

Nancy went to St. Luke's school in Woodburn, followed by Mt. Angel Academy and Mt. Angel College.

After receiving her Masters of Library Science, Nancy moved around as a professional librarian. She worked for the Navy in Alaska, along with several other civilian posts in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

In 1969, Nancy married Richard Benton Barnes. They lived most of their lives in Idaho. Having met through square dancing, they spent their entire marriage perfecting their craft, traveling to different events and helping others learn to dance. Their visits to 'The Valley' were always looked forward to by Nancy's family. She always had a beautiful square dance dress to show off. After her husband's death in 2005, she moved back to Woodburn to live with her mother, Ethel Steffen, until her death in 2012; she then moved to Silverton.

A highly intelligent conversationalist, Nancy was voraciously interested in genealogy. She was also an excellent artist; favorite mediums were oils, wood, and fabrics. Her all-time favorite pastime, however, was reading. She loved just about any genre.

Nancy loved nothing more than visiting with people. Up until her last few years, when too much noise and too many people bothered her, she loved holidays and family gatherings. She really enjoyed being around her extended Steffen family; welcoming in new babies was especially fun for her. Having never had children of her own, this brought her great happiness.

Nancy made friends with neighbors while living in an apartment in Silverton, especially Jose, Valeria, and their children. She always enjoyed visits with her Schwan lady Susan, and her favorite Meals On Wheels gal, Koreen. When Nancy moved to The Towers in July, she made a few close friends; it was fun to watch her meet new people.

Nancy died at the Mt. Angel Towers on January 26, 2023.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her youngest brother, Bill Steffen.

She is survived by her brother Melvin (Bremerton, Washington), her sister-in-law Joani Steffen (Silverton, Oregon), a variety of nieces, nephews, and greats…including one great, great nephew, whom she thought was fantastic.

Contributions can be made in Nancy's name to Birthright of Salem.

Arrangements by Unger Funeral Home, Silverton.