Born on February 7, 1948, in Fargo, North Dakota, Barbara was the oldest child to Norman and Doris Bartholomay. Barbara was proud of being a graduate of Catholic Schools, which she attended from grade school to high school. She graduated from Fargo Shanley in 1966. She followed that by attending college for nursing in Minneapolis, MN graduating as a registered nurse.
She married Patrick McWethy and moved to Minot, ND, where they lived and had two children. While in Minot, Barbara worked for Trinity Hospital and First District Health. After dissolution of marriage, she took a break from nursing and worked at Border States Electric Supply at the Lighthouse, where she met Terry who she later married in 1982. They had one child together. Barbara and Terry lived in both North Dakota and Arizona until 1994, where they settled down and made Arizona their permanent home.
Barbara returned to nursing and focused her specialty on Alzheimer patients. She became the Director of Nursing at Apache Junction Health Center and was there until she retired. She was passionate about Alzheimer's and made it her goal to make sure her residents lived a comfortable and happy life. Her employees loved working with her and the residents loved being in her care.
Barbara loved being a nurse, but more importantly, she loved being a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. She loved spending time up north out of the Arizona summer heat and loved spending time down in the desert out of the Minnesota winter snow. She was a dedicated Minnesota Vikings fan and cheered relentlessly even on an off season. She loved her wine and would end each day with a glass of Cabernet.
She is survived by her husband, Terry Thrailkill; children, Jason McWethy (Elayne), Jennifer Bouman (John), Melissa Lovejoy and Eric Thrailkill Kaitlin); grandchildren Zackary, Caitlin, Paige, Kade, Morgan, Chase, and Vivian; great-grandchild Brooklyn; and brothers Paul (Nancy), Mike (Jane), Darryl (Danielle), and Dean (Beth). Numerous nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She is preceded by her parents, Norman and Doris Bartholomay, son Bradley Thrailkill, and granddaughter Jera Thrailkill.
A celebration of life will be held November 20, 2026, at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Home. More details to follow.
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