Barbara Mary Pharis of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Max Pharis, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on February 13, 2025, at the age of 87 years.

Barb was born on August 18, 1937, in Pincher Creek, Alberta to Selma and Arthur Tustian. She grew up in Cowley with her younger sisters, Pat and Joyce, as well as a large extended family. After attending school in Cowley and Pincher Creek, Barb transferred to Lundbreck and was part of the first graduating class there.

Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, Max Pharis, on December 26, 1955. They lived in Calgary, Edmonton and Picture Butte before settling in Nobleford in 1961, where Max taught school. Daughter Susan and sons Doug and Stephen completed their family. Mom loved living in Nobleford, making many lifelong friends there.

After Max’s death in 1979, Barb moved to Lethbridge. She completed a secretarial diploma at LCC and worked for many years at Sears in the catalogue department.

Barb volunteered for Special Olympics Lethbridge in various capacities and accompanied Stephen to many Special Olympic competitions throughout Canada. Barb’s faith was very important to her, and she was active in First Baptist Church, participating in many areas of church life.

Barb really enjoyed travelling with family and friends, visiting many places across the US, Europe and Central America. She particularly liked ocean cruises and never met a tourist shop that she didn’t like!

Barb is survived by her daughter Susan Gregory (Doug), sons Doug Pharis and Stephen Pharis, grandchildren Jacob Gregory (Anna) and Emily Gregory (Kevin), great grandchild Lucy Beech, sisters Pat McLaren (Bob) and Joyce Tustian (Doug), sister-in-law Alta Pharis as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Besides her loving husband Max, Barb was predeceased by her parents Selma and Arthur Tustian, father-in-law Wilbur Pharis, sister-in-law Phyllis Moore and brother-in-laws Ken Moore and Hilton Pharis.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, May 2, 2025, at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1614-5 AVENUE SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Bruce Martin officiating. Inurnment will take place prior to the Service in the Cowley cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish to, memorial donations may be made to:

Special Olympics Alberta (specialolymbics.ab.ca)

St. Michael’s Health Centre, Lethbridge (covenanthealth.ca)

or to a charity of your choice.

Barb’s family would like to thank the staff of St. Michael’s Health Centre for the kind care she received there.