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Mary E. "Nana" Barr, 84, of Lewistown, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Born Oct. 17, 1941, in Yeagertown, she was the daughter of the late William C. and Helen M. (Specht) Elliott. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her precious grandson, Avery Craig; her brothers, William D., James R., and George E. Elliott, her sisters, Shirley Yoder, Barbara J. Baker and her husband Cyril B. Baker, and her sister and brother-in-law, Jean E. and Joseph M. Bradley
Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Clell J. "Pete" Barr, whom she married on Oct. 24, 1964. She is also survived by her loving daughters, Kris Yetter and her husband, Jeff, of Thompsontown, and Nancy Craig and her husband, Dirk, of Lewistown.
Her greatest earthly treasures were her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Stephanie Wagner and her husband, Jerry; Zachary Yetter and his wife, Jordan; and Colton Craig and his wife, Danielle; as well as her great-grandchildren, Cole, Kaylee, Parker, Savannah, Mackenzie, Aliza, Sophie, and Adalynn. She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.
Throughout her life, Mary devoted herself to serving others and making a difference in the lives of those around her. She worked as a registrar for the Boy Scouts of America in Lewistown and served as the aquatics director and swim team coach at the Juniata Valley YMCA in Burnham, where she also taught Red Cross swimming lessons and provided instruction at the Rec Park pool. She was employed as an office clerk at Fisher Electronics and later worked as a caregiver at Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, New Jersey. She ultimately devoted 28½ years to the Mifflin County School District, where she served as an administrative secretary.
Mary's heart for children and her desire to strengthen her community were evident through her many years of service. She served on the Grassroots Committee of Lewistown Kid Connection, the board of Mifflin County Children and Youth, the board of Thrivent for Lutherans, and as a member and secretary of the Lumina Center board.
Faith was the cornerstone of Mary's life. She was a faithful member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church for more than 40 years, where she served on church council and taught Sunday school and Bible school. In more recent years, she was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lewistown, where she served on the WELCA board and church council. She also served on the committee for the Third Street Churches Summer Bible School program.
Mary's faith was never simply something she professed; it was something she lived. She volunteered at Lewistown Hospital, participated in numerous Crop Walks to help fight hunger, and traveled on several mission trips to New Orleans, Louisiana, following Hurricane Katrina with Messiah and St. Stephen's Lutheran Churches in Juniata County. She also faithfully helped serve free meals at the Lumina Center, always willing to lend a hand wherever there was a need.
Nothing brought Mary greater joy than spending time with her precious family and dear friends. Known affectionately as Nana, she cherished every moment with those she loved and leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, service, and unconditional love.
Above all else, Mary's greatest desire in life was that all people would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Her life was a testament to that hope, and her faith now carries her home to the One she loved and served.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 120 N. Main Street, Lewistown, with Pastor Allen Hulsander officiating. A visitation with light refreshments will be held following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 120 N. Main Street, Lewistown, PA 17044; The Lumina Center, 18 E. Third Street, Lewistown, PA 17044; or Shelter Services of Mifflin and Juniata County, 13 Depot Street, Lewistown, PA 17044.
Online condolences may be shared at www.kingbarrfuneralhome.com.