Our Mermaid has gone to the Lord.

Martha M Barnes passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at the age of 95. She was born on January 27, 1931, in Grand Rapids, MI to her mother Virgina Roger McKinnon and father Howard Archibald McKinnon. Her brothers Tommy McKinnon, Roger McKinnon and sisters Marilyn McKinnon and Hellen Welch.

Martha lived a rich and fulfilling life in High Springs, FL married to the late Wallace Roy Barnes. They had two daughters Charlottle Ann Barnes and the late Mar-Lyn Flowers, Four grandchildren, Rodney Bielling, April Bielling, Kenny Barnes and Brent Barnes, Six great grandchildren Lily Bielling, Kylee Barnes, Sawyer Ownes, Ty Barnes, Cash Owens, Magnolia Osteen. She was a beloved daughter, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, the heart of her family and a beacon of love and warmth to all who knew her.

While in High School Martha worked for McKinnon Drugs and became one of the first Mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs in Spring Hill FL. She then married Roy Barnes. While Roy was in the Korean war Martha got her AA degree and when Roy returned home from the war they took over Lando & Sons Nursey on 9th Street until Highway 275 went right through it. They then moved to High Springs, FL where they started the Char-Lyn Ranch with both daughters. Martha opened Santa Fe Realty where she owned and managed it for 30 years.

In honoring Martha's remarkable journey, we invite family, friends and all whose lives she touched to join us in commemorating her life. A celebration of her sprit and a memorial ceremony will take place on April 11, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in High Springs, FL. This gathering will reflect on her extraordinary life, share treasured memories, and embrace the love that Martha so generously sharded throughout her years.

Martha Barnes will be deeply missed, but her light will forever shine brightly in our hearts and memories. Let us come together to celebrate a life well-lived and the joy she brought to all of us.