Iris Dee Barnes, 90

August 16, 2024

Iris Dee Barnes (née Cook), age 90, passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 16, 2024.

Iris Dee was born in Burton, Nebraska to K. Duane and Francis Cook (née Snider). She was the second of seven children. She was blessed to grow up in a loving, Christ-centered home surrounded by devoted parents, loving siblings, and extended family.

Iris Dee gave her heart to Christ at an early age and would stay devoted to Him throughout her life. While living in Springview, Nebraska she attended Burton Assembly of God church. After graduating from Keya Paha County High School, Iris Dee moved to Waxahachie, Texas. It was there that she met the love of her life, Douglas Charles Barnes. Douglas and Iris Dee were married in 1957. In 1958, they welcomed their first daughter, Lisa Suzanne. Three years later, they welcomed their second daughter, Deirdre. Except for a short time in Florida, Iris Dee and Douglas raised their family in California, first living in Sacramento, and then in the City of Orange. While living in California they faithfully attended Santa Ana First Assembly of God Church and then Newport Mesa Christian Center.

Iris Dee and Douglas enjoyed 35 years together, until Douglas’ passing in 1992. During their time together they developed wonderful lifelong friendships with church and business associates. Iris Dee was known for her cooking and they became gracious hosts for large holiday dinners and entertaining. Iris and Doug were also able to travel extensively and enjoyed this time together immensely. Their greatest joy was spending time with their children and grandchildren and extended family. Trips to Disneyland with GranGran and Pa will always be remembered.

After the death of her husband, Iris Dee embarked on a new adventure hosting ESL students from around the world. This gave her much joy as she became their “American mom.”

In 2004, Iris Dee moved to Lititz, Pennsylvania where she faithfully attended Lititz First Assembly, Lifespring Fellowship, and for the last 10 years, Victory Church.

Throughout her life, Iris loved and was devoted to her family. She was known for her delicious cooking, sense of style, graciousness, and joyful, fun, and loving spirit. She loved giving gifts, but her greatest gift to those who knew her was her testimony of her relationship with Christ. Her last words spoken on earth were “praise the Lord, Hallelujah.”

Iris Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas, parents, sister Vallee, brother K. Don and numerous other loved ones. She is survived by daughter Lisa Gutel and son-in-law David, daughter Deirdre Frauman and son-in-law Tom, grandchildren René Gutel and her husband John Tynan, Taylor Gutel and his wife Jess, David Michael Gutel, Alexandria Frauman, and Douglas Frauman, great grandchildren Miles and Sterling Tynan, and Atlas Gutel, brothers Gary and Kent Cook, sisters Mona Cline and Voy Moore, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’” (John 11:25-26)

Iris will be interred alongside her husband at Fairhaven Memorial Park, Santa Ana, California and will be remembered with a simple graveside ceremony at a date to be named.

In lieu of flowers, her memory can be honored through donations to the Douglas and Iris Dee Barnes Athletic Scholarship at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA, https://give.vanguard.edu/irisdeebarnes.