Bernice (Bea) E. Barber, 88, of Sheridan, passed away at home surrounded by family on Monday, August 22, 2016.

Bernice was born on October 6, 1927, in Acme, WY to Frank James and Ruth Vera (Oelschlager) Mates.

She married Herbert H. Barber in Hardin, MT, on November 12, 1945. While raising three children, Bernice and her family lived in various mining locations to include Mikes Horse, MT, Onion Creek, Colville and Ford, WA, and Tucson, AZ.

Upon returning to Sheridan in 1968, she worked as a sales clerk, cashier and credit manager at Woolworths for twenty years, retiring in 1988.

She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary (Aerie 186).

Bernice enjoyed crafting, reading, taking care of and spending time with her grandchildren and great granddaughter.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Patrick Barber, a brother, Albert "Bucky" Mates and companion, Jim Watkins.

She is survived by her children Herbert F. (Priscilla) Barber of Buchanan, VA and Linda (Dave) Barker of Sheridan, WY. Seven grandchildren, Lisa Barber, Melinda Warden, Nicholas Barber, Pierce Barber, Andrea Sanders (Drew Scott), Jillian (Matt) Evanoff , Jeffrey Barker and one greatgrandchild, Ruthie Evanoff.

Funeral services for Bernice will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Kane Funeral Home with Father Glenn Whewell officiating. Burial will follow in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

Memorials to honor Bernice can be made to the Holy Name School Fund, 121 S. Connor, Sheridan, WY, 82801, Hospice of the Big Horns P.O. Box 391, Sheridan, WY, 82801, or to the Sheridan Senior Center Day Break, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

The Sheridan Press - Aug. 24, 2016.