Barbara Ethyl Dewell

Barbara Ethyl Dewell, 99, died October 20, 2026. She was born September 19, 1927, in Toronto, Canada, to Walter and Jean McCluskey. Barbara was a longtime resident of both the Mesa and Sun Lakes communities in Arizona.

Over the course of her working life, Barbara dedicated more than 20 years to sales at JCPenney’s at Tri-City Mall in Mesa, where her steady presence and dependable service were appreciated by those she worked with and assisted.

Barbara was married to Edward Trevor Vetter for 25 years before he passed away in 1973. She is survived by her children: Daughter, Estelle (Bob) Vetter-Wallace; Son, Edward Jeffrey (Yolanda) Vetter; Daughter, Harriet (Guadalupe) Munguia-Lugo; Son, Harold (Blanca) Tarelton Vetter; nine grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Barbara found joy in time spent with others, especially while playing Bridge with her friends. She also gave her time and leadership as president of the Mesa (AZ) Junior Women’s Club, where the focus remained on meeting community needs in Mesa. Barbara also had a passion for regularly going on walks for 3 miles each day, all up to her final days. When Barbara wasn't walking, she loved to dance!

After retirement, Barbara continued a life of service by volunteering for many years at Chandler Regional Hospital and Medical Center, reading to patients, greeting and comforting people, and helping everyone feel at ease as possible. Above all else, Barbara considered her most important accomplishment to raising her children and grandchildren, a devotion that remained at the center of her life.