Long-time resident, Margaret "Peggy" Barr, 91, died peacefully on November 11, 2015. Peggy was born in Antonito, Colorado, and was the youngest of six children. She was raised in Monte Vista from the age of three and graduated from Monte Vista High School. She went on to graduate from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, and was certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Peggy worked in the laboratory at Denver Children's Hospital for 10 years, then obtained the position of Laboratory Supervisor at the Monte Vista Community Hospital where she worked for 30 years.

Peggy married Jere Barr in 1949, and they lived in Denver until 1955, then moved to Monte Vista. Peggy and Jere were the parents of James Barr and Barbara Deacon. They were the proud grandparents of Erin (Matt) Flavin, Brett Deacon, Julie Barr, Joseph Barr, and great-grandparents to Cash and Lux Flavin, Kaelyn and Lauren Deacon, Adain and Breazzy Barr.

Peggy is also survived by nieces and nephews: Jerry Kemper, Don Kemper, Dick Kemper, Jack Kemper, Skip Everett, Bruce Everett, Ann Newcomb Reis, Bob Newcomb, Carol Ann Morton, and their families. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband Jere, her parents, and her siblings.

Peggy was devoted to the Monte Vista community and was involved in many organizations. She was very active in P.E.O. She was a 50-year-member and Worthy Matron of the Monte Vista Order of the Eastern Star, the Founder and President of the Monte Vista Historical Society, a member of the Colorado State Historical Society, the Mother Advisor for Monte Vista Rainbow for Girls, and an active member of the Monte Vista Medical Auxiliary.

Peggy was named Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 1978. She also served as the Ski-Hi Stampede parade co-chairman, the coordinator for the Bonfils Blood Bank drives, Laboratory Supervisor for the Monte Vista 9 Health Fair for 31 years, and she was a member of the Monte Vista Urban Renewal Authority.

The United Methodist Church was very close to Peggy’s heart, as well. She served as the church treasurer for eight years, and received the 2004 Harold C. Knudsen Historic Preservation Award from the Rocky Mountain Conference Historical Society/Conference Commission on Archives and History, United Methodist Church. In addition, she assisted in the celebration and writing the history book for the church's 125th anniversary in 2009, and was the writer of MVUMC Historic Designation from the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Monte Vista. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Methodist Church in Monte Vista or the Monte Vista Historical Society.

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