Inez E Barrett

Inez Barrett, age 89, of Mead, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in Wahoo, Nebraska.

Inez was born on April 2, 1936, in Millard, Nebraska, to John and Norma (Riecken) Grebe. She was raised in the Elkhorn area and graduated from Fremont High School with the Class of 1953.

She married Renald Barrett, and in 1960 the couple moved from Fremont to Mead, where they purchased and renovated Renald’s family farmstead. Inez continued to reside in this cherished home throughout her life. In 1965, Inez and Renald were blessed with their only child, son, Michael.

A lifelong learner and dedicated mother, Inez first attended Wayne State Teacher’s College before transferring to Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree—an accomplishment of which she was especially proud, as she was the first in her family to graduate from college. She taught at Mead Elementary School for 24 years and was proud to maintain her teaching certificate for 49 years, from 1954 - 2003

Inez was active in her community and a devoted co-leader of 4-H. Her faith was the foundation of her life; if the church doors were open, Inez was present. She was a faithful member of Alma Lutheran Church in Mead, where she participated in Bible studies and served in numerous capacities over the years. The highlight of her life was becoming a grandmother to Megan in 2003. From the day Megan was born nothing gave Inez more joy. There were many visits to California and family visits to Nebraska through the years, during which her grandmother skills and love were on full display.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sisters, Rena Klabunde and Marie Hanes Cleveland. Left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Marci Barrett of Monrovia, California; her granddaughter, Megan Barrett; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at Alma Lutheran Church in Mead. Lunch will follow the service at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Mead Education Association and Alma Lutheran Church.