In Loving Memory

William Stratford Barney

12/4/1951 — 7/31/2026

Partnered-Hearts

A Life Remembered

Obituary

William Stratford "Bill" Barney, 74, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona. Born on December 4, 1951, in Seattle, Washington, Bill lived a life marked by dedication to his family, faith, and profession.

Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University in 1974. After completing his education, he became a Certified Public Accountant and began his career at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., one of the prestigious "Big 8" accounting firms. Over the years, he applied his expertise in accounting for various companies in Oregon and Arizona. In the later stages of his career, Bill shifted his focus to assisting others with teachers’ retirement planning before retiring himself.

Bill was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a man of deep faith and service. He served as a missionary in Norway from 1970 to 1972 and later held leadership roles as Bishop of the Bend (Oregon) 2nd Ward and Chandler (Arizona) 4th Ward. His commitment to his faith was evident in the care and guidance he provided to those he served.

Bill’s family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Judy Barney; his four children Chris (Beth) Barney, Janine (Christian) Pacheco, Julianne (Santiago) Pérez, and Andrew (Jennifer) Barney; his grandchildren Anthony Brooks, Charissa Brooks, D’Angelo Pérez, Jacob Pérez, Luca Pacheco, Cole Barney, Nicolas Pérez, Dimitri Pacheco, Eli Barney, Alexia Pérez, Olivia Barney, and Juniper Barney; and his siblings Kathy Barney, David Barney, Larry Barney, Lynnelle Hite, and Shirlene Hicken.

Known for his big laugh and great sense of humor, Bill brought joy to those around him with his warmth and sensitivity.

May the memory of William Stratford "Bill" Barney bring comfort to all who knew him. A Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home 2100 Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ. Additional viewing prior to funeral service (at Preston LDS Church), 9-9:45 AM. Funeral Details below:

Preston LDS Church

6655 East Preston St.

Mesa, AZ 85215

Family Prayer: 9:45 AM

Funeral Service: 10 – 11:00 AM

Burial: 12:30-1:00 PM, Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery

Family Luncheon: 2:00 PM, Preston LDS Church

The service may be attended remotely by using this link: https://zoom.us/j/98525984666

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Visitation

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Gilbert Memorial Park
2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297

Viewing

Thursday, August 6, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

LDS Chapel
6655 East Preston Street, Mesa, AZ, 85215

Funeral

Thursday, August 6, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

6655 East Preston Street, Mesa, AZ, 85215

Graveside

Thursday, August 6, 2026 · 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

Gilbert Memorial Park
2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Bill and Becky Lathen August 5, 2026

We send our love and condolences to Judy and family. We have wonderful memories of Bill. He was one of our church group high school age friends we ran around with in Eugene Oregon which included his cousin Diane Lewis. So many fun memories from that time. We enjoyed an epic trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon with Bill and Judy spring of 1975 as financially poor graduating BYU university students. We mostly camped but as it snowed we pooled our meager change to make sure we had funds to buy fuel, hoping to have enough money to also secure a motel for one night. Judy was expecting and we had a one year old. The kind motel people let us share a room even though we did not have enough money to pay the full fare. (This was before credit cards!) We were so disappointed that access to the North Rim was closed as we arrived before the spring opening. But a kind park employee took us on a service road and we made it to the lookout despite snow! One other memory - Bill was smart! Straight As in the BYU Accounting program! We are grateful for our friendship with Bill. Sweet is the peace the gospel brings.

Rick Dove August 4, 2026

This breaks my heart. Bill was my companion in norway in the town of Narvik. He was such a good companion and a good friend. Judy i'm so sorry for your loss. I remember when you visit us in.Idaho falls it was so fun. I truly enjoyed bill as a matter of fact, he tracked it with me right up until the last minute before I had to get on the train. He impacted my life for the better. I enjoy this sense of humor and we had some fun playing basketball with the norwegians. We showed them how it was done. We will remember you and your family and our prayers.

Judy Barney August 4, 2026

Thankyou so much Rick. For as long as I've known Bill he has mentioned you often. I am so glad that you served together and made such wonderful memories! I remember our visit well...and especially you and your sweet family's warm hospitality and kindness. Thanks for all the lovely memories and your kind thoughts. Bill and I love you and Mary and your beautiful family...Judy

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Provided by

Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery