Shirley Barnard

Shirley Alene Barnard, a lifelong resident of the Gila Valley, passed away from this world and into the arms of her Savior on September 18, 2016. She was born, the middle of three daughters, to Kent and Floy Ivie on November 8, 1927 in Globe, Arizona. She attended Globe schools, graduating from Globe High School in 1945. She married Mike Lyons in 1945, and in 1947 she gave birth to their daughter Cynthia, who was a constant source of pride and joy for Shirley. Shirley worked for many years in the Business Offices of Gila General Hospital and Miami Inspiration Hospital. In 1975 she moved to Safford, where she met and married the person she always called "the true love" of her life, Meredith Barnard. She and Meredith enjoyed a wonderful marriage of almost 20 years until his death in 1994. They traveled and enjoyed trips to Mexico, Hawaii and Vancouver and spent many days camping and rock hunting together. Shirley was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for many years, and treasured her association with The River Church in Safford. She will always be remembered by her family and friends as a devoted mother and person who loved helping others. She had a quick smile and wonderful laugh, and she will be greatly missed. She is survived by a nephew, Tim Chafey of Tucson, niece Janet Taylor of Casa Grande, and Meredith's granddaughter Shelley Phillips of Cottonwood. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Meredith, daughter Cynthia, and two sisters Marilyn Chafey and Nettie Renowden. Services for Shirley will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at The River Community Church in Safford. A viewing will begin at 9 a.m. and funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the Pima Cemetery. The family requests any memorial contributions in Shirley's honor be sent to American Legion Post 32, 532 S. 11th Avenue, Safford AZ 85546-3157.