Beverly Jean Barratt

Beverly Jean (Duke) Barratt, lovingly known as Bev - and to so many simply as Grandma Farmer - was born on February 14, 1931, in Harlan, Iowa, to Max and Fern (Fick) Duke. From the very beginning, her life was rooted in family, faith, and quiet devotion. Bev grew up attending Douglas Country School through fifth grade and later Kirkman School through her junior year. Her family moved during her senior year, and she graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1949 - a change she often spoke of, marveling at the difference between a classroom of eight students and one of sixty-eight. After high school, Bev worked for five years at the Telephone Office in Spirit Lake. She loved to reminisce about those days, especially the evenings spent dancing at the Roof Garden after long workdays, where name bands played and friendships were formed.

On February 28, 1954, Bev married Garland Meredith Barratt at the Irwin United Methodist Church - a place that would remain close to her heart throughout her life. Together they built a home filled with love and were blessed with two children, Mara Lynn Doerr and James Frederick Barratt. Bev was a true homemaker in every sense of the word. She devoted her life to caring for her family, including Garland's parents and her brother-in-law, Gale Barratt, who lived with them. She gave of herself quietly and completely - and no one ever left her home hungry, whether they came for a visit, a helping hand, or simply needed a place to land. Her care extended far beyond the walls of the house. Bev spent countless hours tending her flowers and beautifying the family farm, creating welcoming spaces that reflected the love and pride she held for the land and the life built upon it. The farm was not just where she lived - it was something she lovingly shaped and nurtured, season after season.

Creativity flowed naturally through Bev's hands. She loved refinishing and reupholstering antique furniture and was rarely without a project waiting to be done. Her craftsmanship brought joy to many satisfied customers over the years. A devoted member of the Irwin United Methodist Church, Bev generously gave her time and talents - painting and refinishing the parsonage, decorating the church through the seasons, and co-chairing the Lord's Portion Sale for many years. Her homemade caramels, pies, chicken and noodles, and chocolate chip cookies were beloved staples.

Bev's greatest joy was her family. She deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and helped them in any way she could. She was also a lifelong member of the Polk Improvement Club, cherishing monthly gatherings with the gals - especially the Christmas meetings held in her beautifully decorated home. She served for many years as a 4-H leader, patiently guiding countless children through their projects, particularly furniture refinishing - sharing not only skills, but encouragement and confidence.

Beverly passed away peacefully at her home in Irwin, Iowa on Monday, January 19, 2026 attaining the age of 94 years, 11 months, and 5 days. Upon her passing, Bev was welcomed by her parents; her husband, Garland, her eternal dance partner; her sister, Sharon Wells; and her infant twin grandchildren, Nick and Max. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; her brother Tom (Lou) Duke; nieces, nephews; and many dear friends whose lives were made better by knowing her.

Bev was baptized at the Irwin United Methodist Church in 1956 and received the Special Recognition Pin from the church in 1989. She carried her faith with her always and lived a life of steady love, quiet faith, and generous care. Bev leaves behind a legacy not measured in words, but in the countless lives she fed, nurtured, and made feel at home.