Bernice 'Bea' Barry, 100

Bernice “Bea” Barry was born April 19, 1914, in Fairview, Mont., to George and Emma Downes.

In July of 1932, Bea was married to John Lewis Washburn, a family friend. Bea and John purchased a motel in Apgar. The motel was then called the Moose Cabins. It was later renamed the Glacier Inn and Cafe. This is where they settled and began their family.

In 1968 the Apgar property was sold and Bea moved to Columbia Falls. Bea worked for many years in the hot lunch program at School District 6. She later took a job at the Montana Veterans Home, where she worked every day until she was 72. Bea’s working life was very important to her. She often spoke of the Veterans Home and the great friends she made there.

Bea had a great zest for life and she lived each day to its fullest. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband John, and her oldest son John “Jack.”

Bea is survived by her son, Gil Washburn, of Columbia Falls, and his children, Donel and Kim; son, Mick Washburn, his wife Marilyn, and children, Jeff and Jodi; daughter, Cheryl Kempainen, her husband Tom, and their children, Lance, Mikey, Tom, T-Tom, Tanya and John, and John's children, John, Ted, Desria, Mitch, Larinda and Darrell. Bea is also survived by many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and close family friends, Irene Barnhart, Norma Williams, Norma Finberg and Sandy Loveall.

Bea chose Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2014, a day filled with family, love and laughter to leave this world. Her last few days were spent surrounded by her family.

There will be a family gathering this summer to celebrate Bea’s life and to spread her ashes.

We would like to give a special thanks to the many people at the Immanuel Lutheran Home for the kindness and care they gave her over the last few years. You made it a great second home for her, and for that we are very grateful.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wildcat Endowment Fund in her memory.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for Bea’s family.