When a popular member of the community passes away in their prime, people often don’t know what to do with themselves, aren’t sure how to react.

Such is the case with the people of Winslow, who mourn the death of longtime Winslow High softball coach and teacher Becky Barris on Jan. 20 from injuries suffered in an auto accident near Flagstaff. She was 41.

More than a week after Barris’ services, “there are a lot of people here still in shock,’’ according to longtime Winslow athletic director and coach Don Petranovich.

Few outside Barris’ family knew her better than Petranovich. She was born in Winslow, spent some of her early years in Payson and then returned to Winslow, where she played basketball and softball for Petranovich.

“She was a good, solid athlete,’’ Petranovich recalled. “She has been involved with sports all her life.’’

He wasn’t surprised that she would go on to become an outstanding business teacher and coach, because of her desire to help students succeed, just as she was helped by Petranovich and others.

She was a teacher’s aide and went on to work as Petranovich’s assistant in the athletics office. She was his assistant coach in basketball for several years, and about 12 years ago became the varsity softball coach.

“We had a good (softball) program, but she made it into one of the best in the state,’’ Petranovich said.

Barris posted a 306-63-5 record and the Bulldogs went on to win 12 region championships, and in 2010 won the Class 3A state crown. Barris was selected Small School Coach of the Year by The Arizona Republic.

Barris was able to coach her own daughter, Briana Conatser, as well as coach with Conatser, who was an assistant last season. Barris stepped down after last season to coach basketball and softball at some of the area’s younger levels. Kelly Fifelski will be the new coach this spring.

Petranovich said Barris was “outgoing. She always jumped at the chance to help her players and students. She did it the way she thought it ought to be done. She was respected as a friend and as a coach.

“She meant a lot to our school, with sports, special clubs, taking students on trips, a lot of activities. I went back a long way with her. She was like a daughter to me. She is going to be missed. You could tell by the outpouring of people at her service (on Jan. 26). I’d say there were 400 to 500 people there.’’

Barris is survived by her husband, two daughters, a son, her father, sister, brother and numerous other family members.