MRS. LOIS ELAINE BARR (Cassidy) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Garth Barr, passed away on August 7, 2009 at the age of 92 years.

Lois was born April 30, 1917 and grew up in the Chin District on the family farm. She received her education at the Beaver Pioneer and Chin schools and attended high school in Coaldale and Lethbridge.

Her teaching certification was obtained from the Calgary Normal School in 1937 and 1938. She taught school for two years at Jumbo Valley School east of Granum, one year at Sundial School near Taber and a year at Huntville School, in Iron Springs.

In 1942 Lois left teaching. After a business course in Calgary she worked for a time as a typist in Burns Meat Packing office.

On June 25, 1943 she married Ford George Ayerhart of Toronto at the family home in Chin. Mrs. John Ross, a neighbor, helped with flowers from local friends. After living for a time in Eastern Canada, she returned to Lethbridge. In January 1953 she resumed her teaching career at the Fleetwood School from which she retired in 1980.

On November 12, 1966 she married James (Garth) Barr of Lethbridge. They enjoyed many years until his passing away in August of 1990.

Lois is survived by one son Murray (Diana) Ayerhart and their children Hamilton and Rachel of Rochester, Minnesota, daughter-in-law Barbara Ayerhart and her children Tracey Wiebe and son Allan, Carlin (Susan) Ayerhart and son Lemmy and daughter Lily. She is also survived by three step-children Gary (Cathy) and family of Vancouver, Bill (Teresa) and family of White Horse, and Jim (Sandra) and family of Regina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including her special nephew David (Judi) Cassidy of Lethbridge.

She was predeceased by her husband Garth in August 1990 and son Tom in October 2000, her brothers Ward and Dale Cassidy, her sister-in-law Margaret, as well as her parents John and Estella Cassidy of Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 10, 2009 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Rev. Cathy Coates, officiating.

Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the McKillop United Church Endowment Fund, 2329 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 0X5.