Savanah Mae Barnes

Savanah Mae Barnes, our spirited and inspirational daughter passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Palo Alto, California.

Savanah was born October 7, 2004, in Pocatello, Idaho. When we brought her home from the hospital, we were elated to have her join our family. She always possessed a magnetic spirit and personality. We were thrilled when her adoption became complete when she was nine months old. We have always said we shared her with Primary Children’s, in Salt Lake City, and Stanford Medical in Palo Alto. Her health was compromised her entire life; yet, she had a tender resiliency that kept all in awe of her fortitude in spite of her fragility.

We stopped counting surgeries years ago when it exceeded 30. She was a brave warrior. When she was listed for transplant in April of 2019 at Stanford University, she adopted the motto, Hope Springs Eternal. It allowed her to realize that death is not failure and hope in our Savior is eternal.

She always only wanted to be like everyone else. She loved being the center of attention, however, she mostly wanted to be known as being strong and capable. She left her mark on the teachers and staff at many schools over the years, namely, Chubbuck Elementary, Tyhee Elementary, Hawthorne Middle School, Irving Middle School, Highland High School, and Livermore High School. She was able to attend school right up until her transplant surgery on May 16, 2021. Her goal was to complete her sophomore year in time to begin her junior year in high school this fall. Her future educational goals were to try to find a way to attend Stanford University because that is where she received her medical care.

Savanah loved art, drama, music, and hanging out with friends. She loved to perform and entertain a group or audience. She was very proud of her involvement with Misty Ralph’s Music Studio, ISU Children’s Choir, Highland High Drama, and Livermore High Drama.

Savanah will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her parents, Craig & Brandalin Barnes, siblings, Curtis Barnes; Ben Barnes; and Carlie Barnes; her grandparents, Gary & Louise Barnes, Pat & Jerry Koberlein, and Carolyn Ross; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Thomas Ross, two uncles, Brett Barnes, and Randy Ross, and all of her great-grandparents.

Funeral services for Savanah will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the chapel at 140 Bringhurst Street, Chubbuck, ID. A viewing will be held from 6-8PM, Friday evening at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID; and from 9:30-10:30AM prior to the services at the church. Her interment will follow the services at Cambridge Cemetery, near Downey, ID.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above. Her family suggests if memorial contributions are of interest to consider making them to Give Kids the World, Ronald McDonald House Foundation, or a local children’s art non-profit organization.