Ethel Mae Barr

Ethel Mae Barr, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2025. Ethel was born on September 13, 1938, in Whitehall, Wisconsin, to Cora Fischer.

Ethel was the heart of our family. She was diligent, generous, and endlessly loving. Ethel was a very hard-working provider, and poured herself into both the inside and outside of the home to give her children the best she could. Nothing brought her more joy than being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ethel kept a tidy home, a warm and welcoming haven to anyone in need, including animals. She showed her love through home-cooked meals, and her quick wit kept us all laughing. The Matriarch of our family, Ethel’s heart of gold and strength of spirit echo through our bones. She taught us the value of grace, forgiveness, responsibility, and hard work; lessons we will continue to carry with us every day.

Ethel is survived by her husband, James Barr, her children: Denise (Karl) O’Polka of Grinnell, IA, Robert Armbruster Jr. of Oskaloosa, IA, and Faith Armbruster of Morton, WA, her eight step children: Tim, Jami, Anita, Julie, Tony, Arland, Alan, and Angie, her ten grandchildren: Jennifer (Art) Baumgartner, Jason (Hannah) O’Polka, Joel (Rachel) O’Polka, Emma (Kabenla) O’Polka Armah, Jake (Tara) O’Polka, Josiah (Megan) O’Polka, Hannah (Grant) Cirks, Chad (Nicole) Armbruster, David Armbruster, and Melissa Piechocki, her ten step grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren, and one sister, Judy Zamel of Racine WI.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, a brother-in-law, a stepdaughter, and a step-grandson.