Barbara Joan Johnson, 90, longtime Wishkah Valley resident and homemaker, died Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at her home.

Barbara was born on May 2, 1926 in Pueblo, Colorado to James and Cleopatra (Kersey) Wilgus. When she 18 years old, she moved with her family from Pueblo to San Francisco.

In 1945 during World War II, she met Albert H. Johnson, a handsome US Navy sailor and her true love, when his ship was in port in San Francisco. They were married in 1946 and they settled in the Wishkah Valley on his family’s farm. She loved the city and the farm. She was just as comfortable walking in high heels and furs on the streets of San Francisco as she was wearing plaid flannel shirts and driving a tractor on the farm. Albert passed away on October 4, 1997.

Barbara and Albert enjoyed many years of traveling, visiting family throughout the United States as well as a long ‘Around the World’ adventure. They loved dancing, and were the center of attention on the dance floor. But they were happiest when surrounded by their family. Barbara enjoyed many years as member of the Daughters of Rebekah, and was honored to be a Noble Grand.

Barbara is survived by two daughters: Shirley J. and her husband Daniel Richie of the Wishkah Valley and Barbara A. and her husband Leon Robert of Bainbridge Island, WA; by three sons: David A. and wife Chriss Johnson of Kenai, AK; Albert Dean Johnson of the Wishkah Valley; and James A. and wife Marion Johnson of Fernandina Beach, FL; ten grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was known and loved by a large extended family. In addition to Albert, she was preceded in death by her son, Allen D. Johnson, in 1970 and granddaughter, Deanna A. Johnson, in 2010.

There will be a celebration of Barbara’s life on Saturday, June 25th at 11:00 AM at the Wishkah Valley Community Church. A reception with light refreshments will follow. Barbara will be inurned with her husband Albert and their son Allen at Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Wishkah Valley Fire Department, 4660 Wishkah Road, Aberdeen, WA 98520.

A card of condolence with a memory or a message may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com


Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home, 2208 Roosevelt St., Aberdeen.

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