TURLOCK, CA (July 25, 2016) – Rebecca (Helzer) Barnes, wife of Covenant minister Paul Barnes, died July 20. She was 64.
Rebecca was born in March 1952 in Lincoln, Nebraska, to John and Marie Helzer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, where she met her husband.
The couple married in 1974. They ministered in mostly Evangelical Covenant Church congregations. In 2007, they moved to Turlock, where Paul has been the chaplain at Covenant Village of Turlock.
In addition to her husband, survivors include a son, Jonathan (Krissa) of Turlock; and a daughter, Johanna (Joseph Conroy) of Overland Park, Kansas; and two grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Turlock Covenant Church.
I remember Becky as my friend. We first met in Florida when our husbands were serving churches. We were roommates at several Covenant Women Retreats. We were like kids at camp – we stayed up all night and laughed and talked. Becky loved to sew and I remember when Paul bought her some fancy model. She was just “over the moon!” She didn’t want or need diamonds. Becky loved her family. When she faced cancer, she did it with grace! This is how I will remember Becky, my friend.
My heart goes out to my good brother, Paul, and his family in the loss of his wife. I never had the joy of knowing her, but Paul and I have had much good fellowship down through the years of ministry, and having served the Turlock Covenant Church, Cheryl and I will be right there with Paul and his family as Rebecca’s life is celebrated. Peace to all from our Lord, Jesus Christ.