BARR

Shirley “Fern” Barr (née Rusk) of Rimbey, Alberta passed away at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Long Term Care on the evening of Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the age of 90 years.

Fern was born in Calgary on August 16, 1935, to her parents, Oliver and Lillian Rusk.  She was united in marriage to Earl Franklin Barr on October 30, 1954, at the Gaetz Memorial United Church in Red Deer, Alberta.  Together they owned and operated a drycleaning business in Rimbey before Earl sadly passed away on May 24, 1974.

Fern lived the majority of her life in Rimbey, and she knew everyone in, and around, the community.  She worked at the Rimbey Record newspaper, and then at the Rimbey Co-op for many years.  For a time, Fern enjoyed the company and friendship of George Ogilvie, cherishing his daughters like they were her own.  She also appreciated the special bond and time spent with her niece Gloria.  After Gloria’s passing in 2007, it left a big hole in Fern’s, and many other people’s, hearts.  Fern appreciated the many events and fun she enjoyed at the Rimbey Seniors Drop-in Centre, where she took pleasure in floor curling, many other activities, and visiting with her friends.  She also loved the bus trips that she embarked on with her sister Thelma.

Fern was predeceased by her parents, Oliver and Lillian Rusk; her husband Earl Barr; her brother Bud Rusk and his wife Marj; her sister Thelma Kamlah and her husband Vernon; and her niece Gloria.

She is survived by her sister Julie Anderson of Victoria, B.C., and Julie’s son Craig (Tara) Kozak and his family.  Fern is also survived by Thelma’s family:  Glen (Diane) Kamlah, Vonnie (Larry) Glenn, Tony (Kathy) Kamlah, Marilyn (Leroy) Handford, and Michelle (Chad) Gish, along with all of their families; in addition to Gloria’s children, Jennette and Jason.  She was also close with Chris Wiese, Pat Weatherill, and Kathy Barr, who have always been there for Fern as well, including the rest of the Barr family.

Fern’s family would like to thank all the excellent staff in Area Three of Long Term Care for the wonderful care and attention to Fern over the last couple of years. 

A Family-hosted Memorial Gathering to Celebrate Fern’s Life will be held at the Rimbey Seniors Drop-in Centre,  5110 – 53 Avenue, Rimbey on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Tony Kamlah hosting.  If desired, memorial donations in Fern’s memory may be made directly to Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre – Long Term Care, c/o the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhospitallegacycommittee.com).  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.    

Cremation Arrangements for the Late Shirley “Fern” Barr (née Rusk) entrusted to the care of