Ethel Jane Barnes, 85, of Cook, MN passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the Cook Care Center after a diagnosis 2 months ago from an aggressive form of cancer.

Ethel was born to Henry and Mary (Hoblak) Holter on September 1, 1935 in Cook, MN. She grew up and attended school in Cook, graduating Cook High School in 1953. She worked at Sorvari's Grocery Store and was an assistant cook at the School. She then went to work for Hill Wood Products where she stayed until her retirement in 1997. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, assisted with Bible school, and was a Girl Scout Leader.

Ethel enjoyed working outside. She loved to plant and care for her flower gardens, loved watching the birds, and enjoyed maintaining her home. Ethel was a no-nonsense one-of-a-kind woman who fiercely loved her family and was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a good heart and a great sense of humor. She anxiously awaited her birthday month every year; celebrating at the shack with family and friends, where she loved opening gifts and receiving different forms of headwear…her crown being her favorite.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert, daughter Brenda Barnes in 1980; brothers: Harry, Marvin, Dennis, Allen and James.

She is survived by daughters: Kathy (Michael) Duame of Cook and Noreen DeLuca of Hibbing; brother Lloyd (Judy) Holter of Cook; sisters: Irene Baumgartner of Cook; Maryann (Bob) Race of Keene, Ontario; and Nancy (James) Rinne of Cook; grandchildren: Rachel (Jim) Endrizzi; Chad (Kristen) Duame; Jared (Jacie) Duame; Mandy (Rob) Straw; Phillip Kosluchar and Bryan Kosluchar; great-grandchildren: Madison, Brandon, Cade, Kendal, Keegan and McKenna.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Mlaker Funeral Home from 1:00-3:00PM. A Graveside Service and burial will be held in the spring. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com