Barbara was born on a farm in Bates County, MO, just before the outbreak of World War II. The youngest of six very close siblings, she helped raise and care for crops and livestock to support the family. She often spoke of the hard work on the farm, particularly cold winter mornings milking cows.
Shaped by her farm work, Barbara was dependable, disciplined, and independent. Equally nurturing, she dedicated her life to working with others to raise and educate children while serving in the community. In roughly thirty years of teaching elementary school, she taught over 500 students, some of whom returned as parents. Barbara’s colleagues described her dedication as evident in one of her guiding principles; “if it was good for the students, Barbara would do it.”
Barbara touched others in the community as well. Barbara and her family attended the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, where they forged close friendships with other families. Her commitment to the AFS student exchange program led her family to host several exchange students with whom she developed life-long bonds. After retirement, she continued to be active by volunteering in Encinitas classrooms and teaching English to refugee families. She was an active member of the “Walking Ladies of Cardiff” who enjoyed morning strolls along the cliffs above Cardiff State Beach followed by breakfast and coffee nearby.
Most importantly, Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband Bill were high school sweethearts who worked their way through Central Missouri State College in the 1950s before coming to California to teach. Their two sons, Andy and Jerry, attended schools in the San Dieguito area. Andy’s marriage to Evelyn brought two beloved grandchildren, Peter and Stefanie. Later in life, Barbara enjoyed traveling all over the world, but was especially happy visiting her grandchildren, her siblings, and her many nieces and nephews.
Farewell Barbara: you were loved and cherished by many and will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bill and Barbara Berrier Scholarship Fund (Fund Number 5270) hosted by the San Diego Foundation. This scholarship assists college students from the San Dieguito area interested in careers in education, counseling, or nursing. Those interested in making contributions can contact San Diego Foundation Donor Services at donorservices@sdfoundation.org or (619) 814-1332.
#MidAmericaLive