Barbara Lucinda Gurley, 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of August 23, 2026, with her daughter, Paige, by her side.
Barbara was born in St. Louis County, Missouri, to Charles and Marie (Schmidt) Meyer. She grew up in St. Ann, Missouri, and graduated from Ritenour High School in 1959. She remained close throughout her life with many of the friends she made during those years.
Barbara was married to Harry Gurley, and together they lived in Southern Illinois and Florissant, Missouri, before moving to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in 1976. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, Lake Havasu became Barbara’s home for the rest of her life, and she truly loved living there. She enjoyed being part of a small community where she seemed to know everyone and was always happy to stop and visit with friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. When her children were young, they would sometimes dread going to the grocery store with her because a quick trip could take forever—Barbara was sure to run into someone she knew, and she would happily stop to catch up and chat. That love of people stayed with her throughout her life, and she formed lasting friendships with neighbors and people throughout the Havasu community.
Barbara worked at St. John’s Bank in St. Louis and later spent many years working at several banks in Lake Havasu, ultimately retiring from Mohave State Bank. She loved her work and especially enjoyed interacting with the public. Through her years in banking, she made many lasting friendships and became acquainted with countless people throughout the Lake Havasu community.
She was a loving and supportive mother who took great pride in her children. She attended their activities, supported them in whatever they were doing, and enjoyed getting to know their friends as they were growing up. She was also a proud grandmother to Will and Tess McCracken, who lovingly called her GG.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved son, Brad, her parents, and her sister, Nancy Whitnah. She is survived by her daughter, Paige McCracken and her partner, Jeff Graham, of North Carolina; her grandchildren, Will and Tess McCracken; her brother, Charles Meyer Jr. and his wife, Shirley of Houston, Texas; and many dear friends who became like family throughout her life.
Barbara was independent, loyal, generous, stubborn at times, and never afraid to share her opinion. She had a wonderful sense of humor and maintained a sharp and clear mind until the very end.
In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed hiking, bowling, and playing golf. She loved country music, her cowboy hats and boots. She enjoyed singing karaoke and dancing to one of her favorites, Boot Scootin’ Boogie. She loved to cook and seemed to own every kitchen gadget known to mankind. One of her greatest pleasures was having friends over for holidays, parties, or simply to enjoy a bowl of her famous French Onion Soup. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing, knitting and other crafts. She loved to read and also enjoyed going out for lunch and the movies.
For many years, Mondays meant lunch at Ken’s Pizza with a special group of friends. These weekly lunches became a cherished tradition and were another reflection of how much Barbara valued friendship, conversation, and simply spending time with the people she cared about.
As she grew older, Barbara remained fiercely independent for as long as she could. When she eventually needed more help, she was fortunate to be surrounded by many kind and generous friends who were there for her. She was deeply grateful for their friendship and support.
Barbara lived with COPD and heart problems in her final years. After becoming increasingly tired of repeated hospital stays, she chose hospice care and was able to spend her final days at home. She loved her doctors and the many compassionate nurses who cared for her. During the last year of her life, she lived at Avista Senior Living, where she came to love the staff and often spoke of them as friends. Their kindness and care meant a great deal to her and to her family.
Barbara leaves behind a lifetime of memories and stories that will continue to be told by those who loved her. She will be deeply missed.
At this time, the family does not have plans for a celebration of life, but may hold a gathering in her memory in the fall.
