Margaret Barr

Jul 30, 1924 -

Nov 21, 2020

Margaret Barr was the only child born to James and Ester Pinon on July 30, 1924 in Gridley, Kan. Margaret's father was killed by a lightning strike in 1938. Ester and her young daughter moved to Sandpoint, Idaho after his death to be near family. Margaret graduated from Sandpoint High School. After graduation, she and her mother were heading back to Kansas in a driving rainstorm when they passed an Army Air Corps soldier hitchhiking. Because of the storm, Ester picked him up. It was the beginning of Margaret and LeRoy's 66 year-long love story. They were married on the following fourth of July. Out of their union four children were born.

After the war they settled in Great Falls, Mont. and eventually ventured north driving the Alcan Highway in 1952 with their three small children, Carolin, Laura, and James. The family lived in Gulkana for one winter before moving to Gakona, where their fourth child, Glen was born the following winter. Margaret's tolerance for not having electricity or running water led to the family relocating to Anchorage in 1955. They purchased a home on Lovejoy Drive, where she resided until the time of her passing.

Margaret had an adventurous spirit and even rode snow machines into her seventies. Over the years she helped LeRoy in his trucking business including driving the "Big Rigs" when needed. She also drove school bus, one of only two female drivers at that time.

Margaret was a member of Saint Mary's Church for over 60 years and attended All Saints Episcopal Church as well. As her driving became limited, she attended Saint Andrew's Church near to her home. She was a member of TOPS for over 50 years. She also volunteered at her local polling station during many elections. She was blessed with many good friendships through her community involvement.

Preceding Margaret in death were her mother and father, James and Ester Pinon; husband, LeRoy Barr; her two sons, James and Glen Barr; and grandson, Russel Hanrahan. She is survived by her daughters, Carolin (Ray) Wells and Laura (Dennis) Hanrahan; grandchildren, Cynthia Whitaker, Kelly Whithworth, Anessia (Brian) Farrell, Jason Wells (Letta); great grandchildren, Nicholas Pless, Jessica Whitaker, twins Joshua and Gabriel Whitaker, Jacob and Haley Farrell, and Spencer and Laura Hanrahan.