Mary Otis BARBER

BARBER, Mary Otis passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on October 20, 2016 at the age of 100. Mary was born January 24, 1916 to Celeste Botiller Otis and Arthur Hamilton Otis, Dean of Men, at the University of Arizona. She attended Tucson High School and graduated from the University of Arizona, where she was President of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Mary taught school for several years at Tucson High and married Bob O. Barber, attorney and rancher in 1932. She was a member of the Junior League and the Tucson Cowbelles Chapter of the Arizona State Cowbelles. Mary always put others first and had a gentle, dignified, loving spirit. No one could forget her broad smile that accompanied her strength of character. There was not an animal, especially dogs, she didn't love nor a flower she didn't linger to look upon. She spread happiness wherever she went. She was an avid reader and loved horseback riding. Her family was her greatest love-her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. She will long be remembered by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Celeste Otis and Arthur H. Otis; her husband, Bob O. Barber; her sister, Eunice Gibson, and grandson, Brian Barber. Mary is survived by her daughter, Brenda Straw and husband, John; son, Bob Barber, Jr. and wife, Kerry; grandchildren, John (Rob) Straw, Katherine Nelson and husband, David, Michael Barber and wife, Chelsea, and Andrea Barber; great-grandchildren, Camden, Boston, Lexington, Parker and Dallas Straw, Nikolai Nelson and Hazel Barber, and three nieces, Anne Gibson, Mary Ellen Gibson, Barbara Gibson. The family wishes to thank caregivers Erlinda Mitchell and Angelica Barcelo for their years of love and devotion. A Memorial Service for Mary Barber will be held Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel at Atria Bell Court Gardens, 6653 East Carondelet, Tucson, Arizona 85710. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Youth On Their Own, 1660 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85712.