Ms. Cynthia Barnes, 53, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sept. 16. She was born on April 23, 1957, in Great Bend, the only daughter of Christian and Rosalie Peters Leiker. She graduated from Great Bend High School after receiving her elementary education at Holy Family Grade School. She then proceeded to earn her bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University in Hays. Cynthia also earned a master’s degree from Loyola University in New Orleans. She lived in several locations throughout the Midwest and Southwest United States, where she lovingly raised her children and always took an active role in service organizations, including the Girl Scouts and religious education. She spent the last 10 years working as the archivist at the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, N.C.

An extremely active woman, Cynthia enjoyed many hobbies including sewing, gardening, yoga and herbalism. An avid recycler and staunch supporter of the environment, she tried to live in harmony with everything around her. Anyone and everything was welcomed with open arms into her life and her home with joy and happiness. She believed the best of everyone. Deeply spiritual, she sought to better understand the connection between the human condition and our place within the universe. Because of her willingness to share her journey with others, she touched and enriched the lives of so many that she now leaves behind.

She is survived by her four children, Aaron, his younger brother Alec with wife Jessica and son Aiden Barnes of Charlotte, her daughter Carissa Barnes with Josh Morris of Christchurch, New Zealand, and her youngest daughter Katlin Barnes, who is currently attending school in Sheffield, England. She is also survived by her parents, Christian and Rosalie Leiker, as well as a number of friends and family.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening, Oct. 12, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church at St. Patrick, 4100 Broadway, Great Bend, with Fr. Reggie Urban officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, 1 Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103.