Jennie Eleanor Barry

 Jennie Eleanor Barry, of Yuma, Colorado, was called to her eternal home on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at the age of 93.

   Jennie came into the world August 10, 1927, the 12th of 15 children, to George William and Margaret “Maggie” (Sthamann) Pauli in Washington County, Kansas.  In 1932, the family moved to a farm in Colorado, 11 miles northeast of Kirk.  Jennie attended grade school there at Golden Gate, and continued her schooling in Yuma, graduating with Yuma High School’s Class of 1945.

   After high school, Jennie worked a variety of jobs, beginning as a school-teacher at Golden Gate for a year.  The road then took her to Denver, Colorado, where she attended beauty school and worked in her sister, Carrie’s, salon, and then for a cosmetics company, touring the mountains during her free time. 

   A job at Safeway would lead Jennie to the eventual love of her life, Robert “Bob” Frank Barry.  The two were introduced through Bob’s brother, who also worked at Safeway.  On January 23, 1953, Bob and Jennie were united in marriage in Denver, Colorado.  Through this union, Jennie had four children: step-daughter, Roberta Louise, born September 5, 1950; son, Ronald Paul, born January 29, 1955; son, Edward Frank, born January 25, 1958; and finally, daughter, Beverly Diane, born September 13, 1960.

   After the births of all their children, the family stayed in the metro area until 1971, when they moved to their eventual forever-home in Yuma, Colorado.  There, Jennie continued to follow her passion for taking care of others, keeping care of several senior ladies over the years and also working at Yuma Life Care, where she would eventually spend the last years of her life.  In addition, Jennie worked in her family’s clothing and paint store, banks and at a UPS and Western Union office.

   Jennie had a knack for gardening, knitting and sewing, creating special pieces for many people in the family.  She adored her grandchildren and came to love her great-grandchildren just as much.  On June 21, 2008, after 55 years of marriage, Bob was called home.  One thing is certain: Bob was waiting for Jennie at Heaven’s gates when she arrived on April 11.

   During her years living at Yuma Life Care, Jennie loved all the people she encountered and was always a staple in any of the activities offered there.  She was a longtime active member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Yuma, playing piano for many years.  She was active in many ministries, including Awana, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Bible studies and many other functions at the church.

   Jennie is proceeded in death by her parents, George and Margaret; husband, Robert; brothers, Clarence, Walter, Lloyd, Harry, Earl, James and Lawrence; sisters, Minnie, Catherine, Vera, Carrie, Myrtle and Margaret; step-daughter, Roberta; and grandson, Jeremy.

   Survivors include one sister, Esther; sons, Ronnie (Tammy) Barry and Ed (Lori) Barry; daughter, Bev (Fred) Gonzalez; 13 grandchildren, Bridgette, Heather, Michelle, Samantha, Selina, Anthony, Brian, Dirk, Erika, Tera, Justin, Stephen and Stacie; and 27 great-grandchildren.

   Funeral services were held Friday, April 16 at the First Southern Baptist Church of Yuma with Pastor Christopher Mulder officiating.  Interment followed at Yuma Cemetery.  Pallbearers included Dirk Barry, Stephen Gonzalez, Justin Forsythe, Austin Thompson, Zach Wall and Alex Juarez.

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