PLYMOUTH — Velma Barnes, 85, of Plymouth, a North Iowa woman known by many as the town historian, died on May 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy tied closely to family, memory and the community she called home.
Velma Kaye Valley Barnes was born June 4, 1940, in Plymouth, Iowa, in the back bedroom above her family’s cafe, the Pioneer Cafe. Her beginning was a fitting one for someone who would become so closely connected to Plymouth’s history and stories.
She was the daughter of Milan Eugene and Alma Marie Moellermann Valley.
Over the years, Barnes became known as Plymouth’s “town historian,” someone who carried memories of the community, its people and its past. In small towns, those stories matter. Barnes helped preserve that sense of place, holding onto the names, moments and family connections that help define a community across generations.
Her own family story stretched across many branches. Barnes is survived by her significant other, Marlys; her son-in-law, Eric Barth; grandchildren Catherine Varo, Christopher Nowotny, Alexander Nowotny, Andrew Nowotny, Jon Nowotny, Jennifer Phelps, Marissa Mason, Derrick Barnes, Dustin Barnes, Erin Hamiel, Maddison Burton and Mitchell Barnes; great-grandchildren Steven, Greysen, Kinnick, Oliver Leonard, Tate Varo, Chance Nowotny, Aubrey Phelps, Colton Phelps, Mason Blakely, Jaliyah Hamiel, Kingston Hamiel, Jus’iah Hamiel and Ja’cieon Hamiel; and great-great-grandchildren King Blakely and Archie Blakely.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Vivian Mae, Virginia Ann, Dean Eugene and Robert John; daughter Nikki Barth; grandchildren Elizabeth Nowotny and Matthew Nowotny; and former husband Bert E. Barnes.
Visitation is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Rockwell Community Center, 114 3rd St. N. in Rockwell.
A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Hanford Community Church, 12411 Spruce Ave. in Mason City.
Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
If you would like an obituary, remembrance or tribute story published in NIT, please email the details to NORTHIOWATODAY@GMAIL.COM. This is a free service.