Olivia Barnes

Olivia Lola Barnes passed away on September 28, 2026. She was born Olivia Lola Cruz, on March 12, 1943, in Mt. Pleasant, MI to James and Ofelia Cruz. She was a graduate of Michigan State University, with an Associate’s degree in Horticulture. She was married on November 30, 1963, to Dennis C. Barnes, also of Mt. Pleasant.

Olivia spent the first 15 years of her marriage raising her children in Boulder, Colorado, mostly as a homemaker and stay at home mom, before relocating back to Grand Rapids in 1989. In Grand Rapids she would finally pursue her passion and work at Eastern Floral as a floral designer for 15 years. Eventually she retired to the Spring Lake area with Dennis to be near Lake Michigan and their favorite place on earth, the beach. Livie, as she was known to most, was a spunky, funny, beautiful woman with a wonderful sense of humor and was loved dearly by her friends and family. Known as the “favorite aunt”, she usually could be found with a smile on her face, laughing a little too loud in the center of the group at a family gathering. She had a reputation for making the best tortillas and beans around and had a passion for watching sports of all kinds on TV, and was a voracious reader. Aside from the beach, the library was her favorite place to visit.

She lost her best friend when Dennis passed away from Cancer in 2013, and it took the wind out of her sails a bit. She spent her remaining years quietly enjoying the company of her cats and her Michigan grandchildren when their schedules allowed. She is now undoubtedly reunited with “DB” (as she called him), enjoying a sunset on the beach of a beautiful lake for eternity.

She is survived by her children, Todd Barnes (Lisa DeClerq); Heather (Gary) White; grandchildren, Dylan White; Ava White; Jade Barnes; Star Barnes; great grandchildren, Koda, and Damon. And her siblings, James (Hilde) Cruz; Dan (Carol) Cruz; Vera (Tom -deceased) Strouf; Lucy (Peter) Kent; and many nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Olivia’s wishes, there will not be a Funeral or Memorial. Olivia was cremated and her ashes will be spread at a later date by her family.