Residing in Portland, Oregon, Syless passed peacefully in her sleep in her home at the age of 70 on Monday, April 27th, 2015. She was a survivor of lung cancer and was caring for her husband Michael at the time of death.

Syless was born on November 7th, 1944 in Pierre, South Dakota and spent most of the first half of her life living in Minnesota where she graduated from Elk River High School and married her childhood sweetheart, Michael Barnes on September 8th, 1962. She was the child of Arthur Bollinger and Clara Ebel whom both preceded her in passing. Michael and Syless have lived in the same home in Portland, Oregon since 1972.

Syless is survived by her husband, Michael Barnes, her son Bob Barnes and his wife Staci from Vancouver, WA, her son Terry Barnes and his wife Carmen from Vancouver, WA, her son Patrick Barnes and his wife Anne from Washougal, WA along with her 8 grandchildren (Krystle, Kayla, Michael, Brandon, Jacob, Ryan, Samuel, & Erika Barnes), and her 1 great grandchild Aidyn. She is also survived by her brothers Mark Steele and Don Stellflug both currently residing in Minnesota.

Syless enjoyed a successful career in Real Estate and retired in 2012. She had a large circle of friends with whom she regularly enjoyed lunch meetings to stay in contact and stay involved in each other’s lives. She genuinely cared for other people and was the epitome of a person living in service to others. Her kindness and goodness is evidenced by the longevity of her many friendships; many of which lasted for 50+ years. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and especially found joy in attending all of the various sporting events in which they all were participating. She was a member of the Saint Clare Parish and attended Mass every Sunday. Syless touched the lives of so many people over the years in such a caring and special way as an example to the rest of us of how life should be lived.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2015 at 1:00pm at Saint Clare’s church (503-244-1037) located at 8535 SW 19th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. All eight grandchildren will be personally involved in the service. There will be a Celebration of Life event following the funeral at Michael and Syless’ home in SW Portland.