Margaret Helen Lofgren Barnes, age 97, of Clinton, Illinois, passed from this life to her next everlasting life on May 8, 2026, at Goldwater Care in Clinton. She will be reunited in Heaven with George, her husband of 51 years, who preceded her in death on August 17, 2000.

Services will be 2 PM Saturday May 16, 2026 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Rev Paul Stroup and Scott Marsh officiating. Burial will follow at Wilmore cemetery. Visitation will be 1 – 2 PM Saturday at the Funeral Home.

Margaret is survived by sons Jeff of Kenney, Illinois and Brad (Lori, deceased) of Clinton, and daughter Janice (Ed) Brashear of Iuka, Illinois. She was grandmother to: Aaron (Elizabeth) Barnes of Clinton, Laura (Taylor) Sickles of Kenney, Illinois, Ben (Andrea) Meagher of Charlotte, North Carolina, Wade Brashear, of Benton Illinois, Jessica Brashear of Wayne City, Illinois, Jennifer (Jerade) McGinnis of Cooksville, Illinois, Christina (Steven) Bateson of Clinton. Margaret had 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Margaret was preceded in death by George, her husband of 51 years, as well as her 3 sisters: Charlotte, Grace, Mary and 1 brother: William Lofgren.

Margaret attended the Clinton Presbyterian Church for 71 years and was very active in her church. After raising her children, Margaret worked in the Clinton School system as a secretary in several of the facilities. She also worked in the Circuit Clerk’s office for several years.

Margaret and George moved to Piracicaba, Brazil in 1978 where George set up a Caterpillar manufacturing plant, supervising hundreds of Brazilian employees. Prior to going there, they had to learn conversational Portuguese in a 6-week crash course. Margaret taught English classes to the local children.

After living in Brazil for 6 years, Margaret & George returned to Clinton where Margaret decided to pursue a career in real estate. In 1986 she became a realtor for Joe Bianucci Real Estate Company. For 5 years in a row (1988-1992), Margaret achieved membership in the Medallion Club selling more than $1 million dollars in real estate in each of those years.

Margaret enjoyed keeping busy with charitable organizations and projects. She was a 4-H leader, an active member of the Texas Homemakers’ Association, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Warner Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered for Poppy Days for many years.  She worked every year at the Homestead Apple & Pork festival selling sandwiches and guiding tours. Margaret was an avid bowler and participated in several national tournaments. She and George were in Eastern Star where they presided as Worthy Matron & Worthy Patron. She loved to travel in the U.S. and to many other countries.

In Margaret’s 97 years, she cultivated multitudes of friends, families, and co-workers. Everyone she met would agree that she was friendly, honest, and virtuous. The family wishes to thank and acknowledge Tina at Goldwater Care, as well as many other caring and comforting individuals, too numerous to enumerate, who cared for Margaret. 

The family of Margaret Barnes is grateful to God, for her life, for your friendship, and for your