Barbara Jean Yokochi

Barbara was born in Sedalia, Missouri, on July 14, 1939, to Joe Jesus Buso and Maurine Ruth Stout. She graduated from Smith Cotton High School. Barbara married Weldon J. Yokochi in August 1957 in Kokomo, Indiana, and they shared nearly 42 years of marriage until his passing in 1999.

Barbara devoted her life to her home and family, and later worked to help support them as her children grew. She loved camping, fishing, boating, gospel music, and above all, time with her family, and she told the story of her remarkable life in her memoir, "Happily Even After." Her deepest devotion was to her faith. She served faithfully in church ministry for decades — teaching Sunday school, caring for the youngest children, and serving alongside Weldon in the bus ministry — and was a longtime member of Inheritance Church in Allen, Texas.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Weldon J. Yokochi; her parents, Joe and Maurine Buso; and her sister, Katy.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Tony; her children, Cinda Crowson and her husband Bryan, and their daughters Cara (and her spouse Blake) and Corie; Lynne Simmang and her husband Paul, and their children Anna (and her spouse Chase), Micah and his spouse Marika (parents of great-granddaughter Gracie), Matthew, and Stephen (father of great-granddaughter Eliza); Curtis Yokochi and his wife Sharon, and their children Trevor (and his wife Carmina), Justin, Andrew, and Amanda; her son Darrell Yokochi; and many other family and friends whose lives she touched.

In keeping with the family's wishes, a private Celebration of Life will be held with her immediate family. The family is grateful for every prayer, memory, and expression of love offered in Barbara's honor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barbara Yokochi Memorial Fund via Venmo (DougSimmang). Contributions are received by Doug Simmang, administrator of the memorial fund on behalf of Barbara's estate. The contributions will help with the costs of her Celebration of Life service and support her son Darrell, who devoted many years to her full-time care.

The family of Barbara Jean Yokochi wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to her son, Darrell Yokochi, whose years of devoted and loving caregiving allowed Barbara to spend her final chapter at home, surrounded by love. She often called their life together one of God's sweetest gifts.