June Lorraine Barrett

She was born on June 17, 1924 in Deering, ND to Thilfred and Julia Medalen. She married Herbert Clark Clay on December 8, 1950. After his passing in 1958, she later married Donald John Barrett on January 27, 1962.

She is survived by her granddaughters Megan Nelson of Del Valle, TX and Kristin Zaideman (Matthew Zaideman) of Tallahassee, FL, along with her Great Grandchildren Jakob and Dylan Zaideman. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Amy Allen, Ina McDonald, and Margaret Hanson, as well as her husband’s Herbert Clay and Donald Barrett, and two daughters Catherine Clay and Barbara Nelson.

June grew up in Deering, ND and moved to Denver, CO in the late 1940s after becoming her high school valedictorian and forgoing a college scholarship to take care of her father after a traumatic farming accident. She went on to work for KOA radio station in Denver. She later met and married Herbert Clay. They had two daughters together before his passing in 1958. She was later introduced to Donald Barrett and they married in 1962. After marrying Don, June quickly became a knowledgeable football and basketball aficionado and attended almost every home Air Force Academy football game from 1958 through 2008, snow or shine. They were also season ticket holders for basketball and hockey attending almost every game. June loved her USAFA athletics and could often be seen in her blue USAFA sweatshirt yelling at the refs. June also loved collecting antiques and knitting. She held weekly antiquing and knitting groups in her home where she was always known to be a fabulous host. She was a talented cook who also loved to host holidays and parties in her home. June was also known for her love of decaf coffee, and it was the only thing to motivate her at times. June was an incredibly strong woman who overcame a lot of adversity in her life. She was greatly loved by all, and she loved everyone greatly.

A funeral service will be held at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery on Friday, August 5, 2022, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Air Force Academy Athletic Association, USAFA Colorado Springs, CO 80840.