Caroline Marie Barnes, age 83 of Boyne City died at Hiland Cottage in Petoskey on November 26, 2009, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 23, 1926 in Rochester, NY to the late Archie and Francies VanSice. She attended Bellaire Public Schools and graduated in 1944. On October 13, 1945 in Bellaire she married Bryce N. Barnes who preceded her in death in 1989. They made their home in Eastport where they had many businesses and raised their family. Caroline was very active in her community including being instrumental in starting the first ambulance service in the Eastport area and serving as EMT for many years. She and her family were featured in a national print advertising campaign for electric heat in 1963. They were featured not only in newspaper ads but also Life, Better Homes and Garden, and other magazines. She also was a member of the Eastern Stars. Caroline was known for her wonderful cooking and the beautiful things she knitted. Caroline's pride and joy was her grandchildren. Caroline enjoyed swimming with her friend three days a week ; coffee and solving all the problems our problems at Darlene's Restaurant in East Jordan. She always looked forward to a secret trip once a month with her girlfriends and learning how to play cards and having lots of fun. Caroline is survived by her children Bryce "Shellie" (Cyndy) Barnes of Boyne City, Russell "Rusty" (Sandra) Barnes of Eastport and Mary Lynn (Karl) Haffenreffer of Key West, Florida; five grandchildren, Amy Barnes of Muskegon, Josh Barnes of Philadelphia, PA, Quincy Perkins of Key West, FL, Casey (Jennifer) Barnes of Ft. Collins, CO and Kyle Barnes of Eastport; two sisters Ethle (Bob) Jones of Comstock Park and Deloris White of Bradenton, FL. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and many close friends including Sue Lounds of Jackson. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Sonny VanSice and sister, Jerrie Apfel. Funeral service for Caroline will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 3, 2009 at Stackus Funeral Home in Boyne City with Pastor Harold Kruse officiating. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at the funeral home and Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Eastport. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name to the Torch Lake Township Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 713, East Port, MI 49627.