Heideliese Anita Barnes, 93, of Fleming Island, FL passed away Monday, May 11, 2026.  A World War II refugee, she was born in Pilgramshain, Germany to the late Erich Opitz and Hedwig Feige.  Her family settled in Bavaria where she graduated high school from Seligenthal school in the city of Landshut.  After high school, she moved to Hanover where she met her husband, US Army soldier Robert Barnes.  They started their life together there before moving to Connecticut with their infant daughter. 

After moving a number of times in the US, Heideliese worked for charitable organizations, including Foundation for Christian Living in Pawling, NY where she was the assistant book review editor and Save the Children in Westport, CT.  Careers also took her young family to Chile, New York State and Illinois before retiring in Florida.  She enjoyed working in her yard and landscaping, handicrafts, such as making wreaths and ornaments which she shared with local nursing homes, and most of all she loved her pets!  Mrs. Barnes was a strong-willed and independent woman who deeply loved her children and grandchildren.      

Heideliese was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Barnes; her parents; one brother, Karl Opitz; and one sister, Renate Kiendl.  She is survived by her son, Donald Barnes; daughter, Patricia Loux (Daniel); six grandchildren who call her “Oma”, Jesse Loux, Matthew Loux (Abigail), Angelica Van Winkle (Nate), Heideliese Barnes, Aletta Barnes, and Franklin Barnes; as well as four great-grandchildren. 

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 15, 2026 at 1:00pm at Magnolia Cemetery in Orange Park, FL with Dr. Tim McDaniel officiating. 

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720