Eleanor Duke Barry, 1920-2009

BARRY, DUKE, FRERICHS

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/19/2011 at 13:56:15

Eleanor Irene Barry, the youngest daughter of Henry and Ina Duke, was born on the family farm near Peterson, Iowa on November 20, 1920. Her childhood was spent living and working on the farm with siblings, Zelma and Edna, and cousin, Francis. She attended country school through eighth grade and then Peterson High School, where she graduated in 1938.

Eleanor was united in marriage to Robert (Bud) Barry on August 15, 1938. Following their marriage, they lived at Eleanor's home near Peterson, Iowa where she worked hand-in-hand with fieldwork and raising livestock. She and Bud were blessed with two daughters, Nancy and Carol. While lovingly serving as a homemaker and farm wife, Eleanor also spent many years after the girls were raised, working outside the home with Superior/Witco in Spencer.

Eleanor was widowed in 1971 and lived alone on her farm until 1980 when she began raising her twin granddaughters after the tragic loss of her daughter, Nancy and husband Keith in a car accident. Soon after bringing Karen and Kathy into her home she became known to many as "Grandma Barry". Whether at a horse show, in town or at a school function, when "Grandma" was uttered it usually was synonymous with Eleanor. While many thought that taking on 13 year olds would certainly age her, Eleanor often commented just the opposite, "it kept me young".

During those years of raising her granddaughters, Eleanor transferred her long-time membership with the Peterson United Methodist Church to the Royal United Methodist Church. Her regular attendance at Sunday worship services was matched with active involvement in the UMW, Sunday serving groups, soup suppers, Lenten breakfasts, funeral and flower committees. She was also a long-time member of the "Our Afternoon Out" (O.A.O.) ladies group of Peterson and helped organize the Country Girls dinner date group at the Royal Cafe for rural widowed women. She was a supporter of the 4H program for three generations with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Aside from short recovery stays at Twilight Acres in Wall Lake, Eleanor delighted in living her entire life on the family farm. Eleanor enjoyed many hours outdoors with her lawn, vegetable garden and numerous beds of flowers. She was also an avid lover of horses and dogs, which she had several of throughout her childhood and adult life. From the pheasants she fed in the back grove to the red cardinals on her Christmas dishes, Eleanor always enjoyed birds. Reading, baking apple pies and helping with church events were some of her favorite pastimes. With a hat on her head and a smile on her face, Eleanor was frequently spotted doing yard work, helping behind the scene at horse shows, shopping the retail sales in Spencer or looking for antiques at an auction. The Clay County Fair was an annual outing Eleanor dearly anticipated for the many events and long-time friends she would see. In 1936, Eleanor actually led the parade upon her horse in front of the C.C.F. Grandstands. Hosting family and friends in her home, where seldom a meal was served without a homemade dessert and ice-cream to immediately follow, always gave Eleanor much pleasure. Without a doubt, Eleanor's greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they all held a special place in her heart.

During challenging times in her life, Eleanor could always find strength to not only persevere, but do so with an attitude of optimism and determination. Whether it was the challenge of planting the crops herself or loosing a family member, Eleanor always found that inner strength to accept what came her way. Her final days were no exception. Eleanor lived them out as long as possible within her home with the assistance of family and friends, followed by a brief stay at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center. While everyone around Eleanor felt great sorrow with her cancer diagnosis in mid-July, she insisted on accepting this diagnosis and remembering that she has had a long life with a good family and friends, and that the good times are what we should remember.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Eleanor Barry on Monday, September 7, 2009, at the Odebolt Nursing and Rehab Center. Her strength through this battle with cancer is truly an inspiration to all who have known her. Eleanor will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends as one who always put the needs of others in front of her own. Eleanor's labors were always completed as labors of love. Her devotion to church and family was foremost in her life. Eleanor's presence in our lives will be truly missed, but we take comfort in knowing the Lord called her home from her labors on such a fitting day to take a rest, Labor Day.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, Henry (Hank) and Ina Duke; husband, Robert (Bud) Barry; sister and brother-in-law, Edna and Russ Brown; brother-in-law, Elmer Mohror; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Keith Emmert.

Left to cherish her memory is: daughter, Carol Frerichs and her husband Wayne, of Peterson, IA; four grandchildren: Karen Byers and her husband Mark, of Spirit Lake, IA; Kathy Schmidt and husband Dan, of Wall Lake, IA; Lonnie Frerichs of Peterson, IA; Loren Frerichs of Bellevue, NE; seven great-grandchildren: Keith, Josie and Rian Byers; Tayler and Nicole Schmidt; and Emily and Alexandria Frerichs; sister, Zelma Mohror of Hartley, IA; special cousin, Francis Duke of Lincoln, NE; and many good friends and neighbors.

NOTE: Interment in Waterman Cemetery, Sutherland, Iowa