Joyce Barnes, born Anita Joyce Cottriel on Dec. 27, 1933, in Ventura, California, was a beacon of light to all who were privileged to know her. She was dedicated, ambitious and generous, always seeking to enrich the lives of those around her with her loving spirit. Joyce was a passionate woman who believed in the words of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This verse encapsulated her optimism and faith, and she embodied these words in every facet of her life.
Joyce was a remarkable woman who touched the hearts of many in Centralia, Washington, where she resided. She was a respected figure in the community, serving as a councilor and mayor for the City of Centralia, and advocating for the betterment of her beloved city’s residents. She was a successful Realtor and real estate investor, and her ambition led her to manage several community projects, including the Veterans Pearl Street Pool as a volunteer manager for 26 years, and Destination Centralia. Her generosity and commitment to her community were unparalleled, and she donated much of her time and resources to making Centralia a better place to live. Joyce was an active member of Altrusa International Centralia-Chehalis, including serving as president, and was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church.
Joyce’s love extended to her family, who were at the heart of everything she did. She was a cherished mother to Layne Barnes (Claudia), Stephen Barnes (Renate), Pam Greenwell (Skip), Kathy Stromseth (Alan), and Craig Barnes (Rhonda), and beloved sister-in-law Bonnie Canaday Coumbs. Grandchildren include Yvonne Anderson; Allan Greenwell (Janice); Brian Stromseth (Katie); Jane Ballenger (Bryan); Matias Barnes (Lisa); Katarina Barnes (Juan Carlos); Julian Barnes (Gabrielle); Scott Barnes; and Erin Graves (Gene). She is also survived by numerous beloved nieces, nephews, treasured great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to being a sister-in-law, Joyce was a dear friend and business partner to Bonnie Canaday Coumbs, with whom she shared many U.S. and world travels and fun adventures.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Lillian Cottriel; all her brothers, Fred, Louis, Allen and twin Robert Cottriel; her sister, Frances Bloom; her husbands, Wayne Barnes, Verne Erwin and Harold Barnes; her significant other, Arthur Davison; her stepson, Ronald Mott (Nancie); and daughter-in-law Claudia Barnes.
In the words of Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Joyce Barnes made people feel loved, valued and important. Her legacy of love, dedication and community service will live on in the hearts of many.
Please visit Joyce's memorial page at Newell Hoerling’s website to share your memories and upload photos of our dear Joyce. Your stories and pictures are a testament to the love and joy she brought into our lives.
Joyce Barnes died peacefully in her Centralia home on Oct. 10, 2025.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at Centralia College TransAlta Commons, 615 W. Pear St., Centralia, Washington. This is a special date, as it would have been her 92nd birthday. Please come join us.
