Elsie Sanders Barnes, 93, of De Leon, passed away Thursday, October 03, 2013, at De Leon Nursing and Rehab.

Born July 14, 1920, in Somerton, Arizona, she was the daughter of William David (Willie) Sanders and Pearl Cooper Sanders.

The Sanders family relocated to Dublin, Texas in 1930. Elsie graduated from Dublin High School in 1937. She was a graduate of Brownwood College and Secretarial School. She later received a BBA from Tarleton State University in 1977, at the age of 57.

William Thomas (Dub) Barnes and Elsie Sanders were united in marriage February 14, 1940 in De Leon. The couple maintained a home in the Comyn Community for five years where they farmed and ranched, relocating to De Leon where they established Barnes Lumber Company in 1945. The establishment was in operation for over fifty years.

Elsie was a member of De Leon First Baptist Church and the Mary Martha Sunday School Class. She was a fifty year member of the De Leon Chapter #693 Order of the Eastern Star, having served the order as Worthy Matron and various other officer positions. Elsie was a member and past President of the De Leon Garden Club, De Leon Shakespeare Club, Heart of Texas District of the Texas Federation Women's Clubs, De Leon Hospital Auxiliary, and many other organizations.

Survivors include her son, Terry Barnes and wife, Janet, of Dallas; grandsons, Doug Barnes of Austin and Brad Barnes of Dallas; sister-in-law, Ruth Sanders of De Leon; seven nephews, four nieces, and other relatives and friends.

Elsie was preceded by her husband, Dub in 1997; daughter, Beverly Anne Barnes in 1971; three infant daughters; one infant son; brothers, Doyle Sanders, Dean Sanders and Lloyd E. Sanders, Sr.; sisters, Ruby Sanders Hessel and Willie Faye Scott; sister-in-law, Hazel Barnes; one niece; and one nephew.

Graveside funeral services were held Friday, October 11, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. in Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Erath County. Brother Daniel Harper officiated the services.