05/07/2026
Longtime Valley resident, Beverly Ann Barry, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the age of ninety-one. She had always said she wanted to leave this world at an even-numbered age, but true to her nature, she adjusted her plans with grace and set off on her next adventure. Beverly was born on August 14, 1934, in Akron, Ohio, to Josephine and James C. Bazzell. She was raised in a family of eight during challenging times, where money was scarce, but love and determination were abundant. From an early age, Bev believed deeply in the power of education. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1952, earned her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!), and completed her Master’s in Education at Kent State University by 1958. Teaching was Beverly’s lifelong calling. As a young girl, she set up a “teacher desk” in her family’s basement, running an imaginary classroom while her father worked nearby. Her many students over the years were fortunate to have her. She loved “her kids” and taught in San Diego, California; Akron, Ohio; Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, and later at Pioneer Peak Elementary in the Mat-Su Valley. Teaching was her dream, and she cherished every moment of being part of such a meaningful profession. Beverly met her husband, Paul Barry, at a Catholic singles gathering in Anchorage. They married in 1962, and she moved to the Valley, joining his large Colonist family on their farm. She chose to stay home while raising their four children, devoting herself fully to her family. During that time, she also supported the family business, Barry’s Resort, taking on roles as bookkeeper, waitress, custodian, and “chief communication specialist”. Many summers were also spent supporting her husband’s mining pursuits in the Wrangell Mountains, where she and the children lived in tents and campers in the Alaskan wilderness. Beverly was strong, courageous, and deeply faithful. Her laughter reminded everyone around her to live in the
moment and not take life too seriously. Bev was an enthusiastic supporter of her children’s activities, and her voice could often be heard echoing through gymnasiums and skating rinks as their proudest—and loudest—cheerleader. She loved singing in the church choir, visiting with friends, laughing often, and most of all, talking on the phone. Her family fondly remembers hearing their father say, “Beverly, get off the phone—you’re going to wear your ear off.” She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-nine years, Paul Barry Sr.; their son, Paul Anthony; her brother Bob Bazzell; sister Doris Haberak (Dan Gillooly), and brother-in-law Anthony Monachino. Beverly is survived by her four children and their spouses: Michelle Barry, Deanna (David) Arthur, Paul (Carolyn) Barry, and JoAnn (Joseph) Hinds. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Kyle and Dominique Hinds, Luke Arthur, Ryland, Kaelyn, and Johanna Barry, Ryan (Renee) Doyle and great grandchildren, Keegan and Darian Doyle. Bev is also survived by her sister Patricia Monachino, brothers Jim (Bonnie) Bazzell, Jerry Bazzell, and many nephews, nieces, and friends. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the staff at Primrose Retirement Community of Wasilla for their care and kindness over the last few years. Their professionalism and sincerity meant so much to Bev and her family. Beverly’s memorial mass will be held May 15, 2026, at 12:10pm, St. Michael’s Parish, 432 East Fireweed Avenue, Palmer, Alaska 99654. Family will attend a short inurnment as the ashes are placed in a columbarium at the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. Everyone is welcome at the service and/or the reception. The reception is being held immediately after the memorial service at the Palmer Elks Lodge, 2600 N Barry’s Resort Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654. A late lunch will be catered, so just bring your love and laughter. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the Palmer Food Bank in Beverly’s name, P.O. Box 2421, Palmer, AK. 99645.
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