Barbara (Goodwillie) Bermel

Barbara Goodwillie Bermel, 68, of Sierra Vista, died peacefully on April 3, 2018. Barbara was born on February 26, 1950, in Port Arthur, Texas to Robert and Constance Goodwillie. She was the second child and first daughter. Barbara outlived her mother and father and her younger sister, Constance Bryant.

Besides her family, Barbara had three great loves: Rick, George and a series of horses. Rick and Barbara were married in 1981 and had thirty-seven years of delightful marriage. Rick was a decorated Vietnam Veteran, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant during his twenty-year career.

Barbara had a long and successful work career as an executive secretary, developing into a Project Manager for Northrop Grumman for her last twenty-one years. Barbara was a happy person by nature. Her job award descriptions often mentioned her ability to get along with a wide variety of people and bring a positive spirit to the group. This was present in all her relations and was much loved by her family.

Throughout her life, horses were important. She started riding with her sister, Ann, and Father in the fields and streams surrounding the Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania. Through the Brandywine Pony Club, Barbara developed her skills and was Champion Rider for three years in the 16-18 year old group. Once she reached Arizona, her career resumed and now included training and Western riding. By 1995, she achieved Champion status in both English and Western riding.

Time waits for no one and the work and riding gave way to traveling with Rick and their last dog, George. They often visited her niece, Jennifer Buchanan, while her family was stationed in Tucson for four years.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Rick A. Bermel, and their faithful dog, George.

She is survived by her brother, Mark Goodwillie and his wife, of Durham, North Carolina, her niece, Jennifer Buchanan and husband, Captain Daniel Buchanan and two grand nephews, Liam and Phillip.

Barbara will be interred with Rick on May 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Buffalo Soldier Trail in Sierra Vista with full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers or cards, please make a donation to Valor HospiceCare in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

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