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Barr-Hartung, A. Fay

7/20/2001

Jan. 28, 1921-July 20, 2001
Rev. Fay Barr-Hartung was born January 28, 1921, in Ruston, Louisiana. She died July 20, 2001 in McKinney, Texas. Her eighty years were full of varied and exciting experiences as a wife, mother, teacher, administrator, counselor, pastor and friend. Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston was her home church beginning in 1931. Fay graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1940, taught high school English, then returned to Louisiana Tech as Director of Wesley Foundation under Women’s Society sponsorship. From Ruston, she attended Garrett Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. She then earned a Master’s Degree from South Dakota State, Brookings, South Dakota. Rev. Barr-Hartung lived in several locations in South Dakota with her husband, a Methodist minister, and their three children: Ronald Fredrick (deceased), Mary Jo (lives in Hendershon, Nevada), and Mark Andrew (lives in Dallas, Texas). During these years in South Dakota, Fay was active professionally as a teacher, Dean of Students at Dakota Wesleyan University, and other administrative responsibilities. Fay enjoyed teaching United Methodist Women Studies in all of her locations. Another professional position she held was that of Vice President of Student Affairs, College of Ozarks, Clarksville, Arkansas. In 1981, Rev. Barr-Hartung returned to Louisiana and responded to a long-felt call to enter the ordained ministry. She was licensed to preach in 1982, Ruston District, ordained as a Deacon in 1986, and ordained as an Elder in 1990. Pastorates served were Gibsland-Oak Grove, Marion-Bird’s Chapel, Colfax-Hollins Chapel, and Vinton-Welch Memorial. Rev. Barr-Hartung retired to a Methodist Retirement Home in Ruston, Louisiana in 1995. As long as her health would permit, she continued to serve and stay involved in local and district activities. Fay maintained a close relationship with friends in South Dakota, Arkansas, and the Louisiana Conference. Using the telephone and writing letters were the chief ways to continue sharing care and love. Enjoying her three grandchildren and celebrating events with them was one of her great joys. It should also be noted that Fay loved reading, seeing, and discussing movies, and Little Theatre. As health continued to limit Fay’s activities, she and her children made the decision for her to live in a retirement center near her son and his family. A few weeks later, she died. Memorial services were held in Ruston, Louisiana. Fay will be remembered for her inquiring mind, scholarship, practical decisions, strong faith, and courage.
Source: Journal Louisiana Conference, 2002 By Jason Owen

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