Merna was born February 20, 1939, to Victor and Sophia Barr. She was born and raised on the family farm south of Fort Macleod in the Hazelmere and Ardenville districts.

She was the youngest of 6 children. Her first 2 1/2 years of school was at the Ardenville Country School.

She later rode the school bus to Macleod where she graduated in 1957. She met her first husband Willie that year, they were married on March 29, 1958. They bought a farm south of Macleod in 1959 where they raised 4 children. Cindy, Barry, Laurie and Michael.

During that time, she worked in Macleod and was very active with the Country Beavers. They sold the farm and moved to town in 1984. They continued raising cattle until Willie passed away in 1986.

Merna later met Rolf while working at the Gas company, they married in 1995. She then more than doubled her family by welcoming 6 stepchildren whom she loved like they were her own.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They enjoyed travelling until his passing in 2011. Merna was very active in the Detox Center, the United Church and the Legion. She loved her community and volunteered whenever needed.

She is survived by her 4 children Cindy (Ken) Pederson, Barry Campbell, Laurie (Ron) Conner, and Mike (Dawn) Campbell; stepchildren Debbie (Mike) Dever, Karen (Darin) Herle, Shelley (Doug) Steele, Tanya (Mike) Baldwin, Sheryl (Gareth) Philip and David White; 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; sister Elma Jessup and 2 sister-in-law Donna Barr and Peg Barr.

Merna is predeceased by her parents Victor and Sophia Barr; brothers Lloyd, Blair, and Normie; sister Evelyn Loyst; husbands Willie and Rolf and grandson Cody Connor.

A private family graveside was held Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Union Cemetery