It is with saddened hearts we announce the passing of Martha Margaret Barrientes (nee: McGrory) on June 17, 2021 at age 52 in Gilbert, Arizona.
She was born the youngest of eight children on May 22, 1969 to Cornelius J. McGrory and Ruth Ann (nee Carson) McGrory in St. Louis, Missouri. Martha attended Seven Holy Founders and graduated from Affton High School. She continued her education at Columbia College on a Volleyball Scholarship. She was a skilled athlete and went on to coach many different teams throughout the years. Martha loved her hometown of St. Louis. She was an avid follower of St. Louis sports teams, and was a previous employee for Anheuser-Busch.
Twenty-four years ago, Martha married David Barrientes and moved away from her hometown of St. Louis. Together they had four beautiful children. Being a dedicated mother, Martha cherished making wonderful memories with her family. She and David spent numerous weekends camping with their children. One of the last times Martha was with her children they spent it at a pre-season St. Louis Cardinal’s game. Through the years of marriage, David’s employment transferred the family to the states of New Mexico, Massachusetts and Arizona. In each of these states Martha made numerous friends whom she kept in touch with throughout the years.
Martha’s biggest passion in life was her family and friends. One of her strongest virtues was compassion. Martha would always be there for you to lend an ear, a helping hand, and contagious positivity regardless of the time or day. She truly embodied a life of selflessness.
Martha was a devout Catholic and played an active role in her church and community. She was also a proud and committed employee of Casteel High School in Queen Creek, AZ.
Martha just had to walk into a room to light it up. She had a beautiful smile and contagious laugh that will be missed. She loved life immensely and her hugs were deep and outlasted the feeling of pain. Martha laughed loud and cheered even louder. She had a desire to create friendships, and if you became her friend it was for life. Her vivacious and giving spirit will be missed by many. Martha will be forever missed, but always present in our hearts.
Martha is survived by her husband David Barrientes, her children, David Joseph, Megan, Lourdes and Sophia. She was preceded in death by her father, Cornelius McGrory, mother, Ruth Ann McGrory, and brother Marc McGrory. She leaves behind her six siblings, Mary Gardner (Tom), Michael McGrory (Elaine), Maureen Huelsman (Rodney), Matthew McGrory (Debbie), Mick McGrory (Kim), and Melissa Comer (Tracey), as well as her close cousin, Theresa Mueller (Bruce). Martha will also be forever remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021, face masks required from 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM., at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road Affton, MO 63123.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 10 at 10:00 AM , at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church, 6737 South Rock Hill Road Affton, MO 63123. An interment will be held on Monday, July 12, 10:00 AM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, MO 63125.
Memorial Donations to the Barrientes Family may be made to https://gofund.me/fa32d54b
Prayers to the McGrory-Barrientes families. So sorry for your loss.
Martha always had a smile and a hug waiting for you. She made me feel so welcomed into the family over the past 10 years and I love her so much for that. I will miss her contagious laugh and big hugs the most. May the angels lead you into paradise Marty. We love you
I loved this woman to pieces. We shared many days laughing, rolling our eyes, being mad and upset together at Casteel. We had connections via both living in Albuquerque (where I was born), soccer, and many more. I know that you are with God and knows that we will meet again. From
your friend Miss Sylvia.
David, David Joseph, Megan, Lourdes and Sophia.
We are praying for you during this sad time.
Martha was an amazing human being and we feel privileged to have known her.
We hope the memories you made together can be a reminder of how blessed you all are to be cared for and loved by Martha.
We are praying for Gods comfort and peace as your mourn her passing.
One day we will all be together again.
With love,
Joe and Zena DeBarros
Medway -Ma
Martha was a friend and a coach. She welcomed us into her home for the annual Easter egg hunt and during Halloween. When Martha coached our son in elementary school (5th grade in basketball our son said that she knew how to play it he game. We all loved her hugs and warm soul. We love you and will miss you!
This is a true tragedy and I have no words that would make you feel better. She was a great person that was loved by many, and will be truly missed but not forgotten. Although I cant be there physically I will be there in spirit. I send my love to you and your children.
Martha was an extraordinary person, I worked with her at Casteel and she was always willing to help anyone. She had a great sense of humor, when I needed a shoulder she was there, when I brought my children by she always had sweet things for snacks but also sweet words to say to them. She reminded me on hard days that life is bigger than our jobs. She will always be in our hearts! Love and miss you Martha.
Martha was my suite mate in college for a year. She was all the things described… she had the kindest heart and was so fun to be around. She loved life. We will miss you Marty, RIP! Prayers to all of you for this tremendous loss…
My favorite memories of Martha were centered around our kids. She was a tough but fair coach. She loved all our girls as if they were her own. She was a wonderful friend who always had a kind word for everyone. David, kids, I don’t have the words to make the pain go away. However, I know for a fact she will always be by your sides. She will be reflected in your thoughts and actions. I know she will always be watching over all of us she called friends/family. We are truly the blessed ones!
Such a wonderful, helpful person! I loved talking to Martha when I was at Casteel. Such an asset and friend! Martha will be missed!
As two of her children’s 5th grade teacher, I always thought she was amazing. Her participation and support came from a place of love and caring. My heart reaches out to the family, but know that she will walk beside them forever. My condolences.
David, David Joseph, Megan, Lourdes and Sophia. Although it has been a while we have very fond memories of our soccer family in Rio Rancho. We wanted to wish you all many prayers and condolences. God bless you all during this time.
Paul and Arlene Pantoja and Family
Martha brightened each day that I’d see her in the front office. She was never too busy to say hello and catch me up on how her kids were doing and laugh at my (dumb) jokes. She lit up whenever she spoke of her children and she was so very proud of her family. She was kind and caring and everyone who met her loved her. I’m sincerely grateful that I met her and knew her for the time that our paths crossed. She had a genuine heart of gold and I already miss her. She loved her husband and family so much and I hope they know that every day. Hugs and prayers to all who are missing her. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Martha’s happy personality was infectious and brought so much joy to the culdesac. We will miss her laughter, spirit, and giving nature. We are thankful and blessed to have called her neighbor and friend. She truly was a blessing to everyone who knew her. Our most sincere condolences to the family. We send you all our love and prayers.
Martha and I loved working together with our favorite kids at Casteel and then up in the front office. Everytime I see Snow White I’ll remember how she would laugh at how much I sounded like her. Everytime I see Greek yogurt I’ll giggle because of how much it grossed her out.