Barbara L. Johnson

Barbara passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, at Casey’s Pond Assisted Living in Steamboat Springs. Barbara was born on July 8, 1935, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Robert Lee and Helen Lucille (Wilson) Bush. She was the second child in the Bush family. In her teenage years, the family moved to Arizona, then to Colorado, where she met Donald Alvin Johnson. They married on June 1, 1952, and were blessed with four children: Katherine Turner, James Johnson, Donna Johnson, and Lorraine Johnson.

Barbara cherished family gatherings and engaged in heartfelt conversations with friends she made along the way. She was known for her giving nature and positive spirit; her infectious laugh brought joy to those around her. Barbara found greatest happiness in gifting her lovingly crocheted projects to family and friends, which filled her with pride and love. With many talents, abilities, and virtues, Barbara was generous beyond measure. She was famous for opening her home to all, welcoming guests with a full heart and a willingness to feed a crowd at a moment’s notice.

The early years of her career found her enjoying to cook for the students at Fruitvale Elementary School in Grand Junction until the family moved to Yampa Valley in 1971 and finally made their home in Hayden. In 1975, Barbara embarked on a new career in the banking industry at Yampa Valley Bank, where she worked until her retirement in 1996. Additionally, in 1983, Barbara and Don purchased Mt. Harris Liquors and Rainbow Sporting Goods. She delighted in the fall season, when she could pamper the hunters who visited or stayed with them.

Don loved taking Barbara fishing in the lakes of the surrounding area, where they could revel in the beauty of the Colorado Mountains. After selling the business in 2000, they began to enjoy retirement, spoiling their grandkids and great grandkids rotten. Barbara found joy in every accomplishment, always eager to celebrate her children’s successes with enthusiasm. She adored her grandkids and great grandkids, showering them with love and devotion, and proudly displaying her affection for all of them.

Barbara will be forever missed by her son, Jim Johnson and wife Kathy of Wyoming, her daughters, Katherine Turner of Texas, Lorrain Bell and husband Tim of Colorado; her brother Carl Bush and wife Mary-Ida of Arizona; and her grandchildren, Coty Johnson and wife Kayla of North Dakota, Rachel Meeks and husband JP of Idaho, George Turner and wife Michelle of Colorado, Crystal Turner of Colorado, Jason Turner and wife Sandy of Texas, and John Turner and wife RannDee of Texas. Barbara was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Bush; her brothers, Ronald and Earl Bush; her lifelong love and best friend, Don Johnson; her daughter, Donna Rae Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held on Saturday, August 17th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Mission of Grace Church, located at 361 Sunflower Drive, Hayden, Colorado.