Barbara Bushard Johnson

Barb passed away in her beloved home on Friday, February 27, 2009, and completed her brave ten-month journey of fighting lung cancer. Barbara Ann was born April 12, 1938 to Patrick and Clara Ryan of Luverne, Minnesota. She graduated from Fairfax High School in 1956 and married Dave Bushard in October of that year. This union brought into the world their four dear children; Pat, Lisa, Tori and Amy. Barb dedicated herself to creating a home for her family and took pride in being a wonderful mother. In 1977, she began her successful career in real estate and truly loved being an ambassador to Marshall and selling homes, not houses, to all of her clients. Barb was active in many professional and community organizations; she was especially proud of her involvement with hospice, serving as a board member, patient volunteer, and helping establish the Prairie Home Hospice House. Barb’s life was enriched when she met Omar Johnson. They were married August 23rd, 1996 and enjoyed many years of love and companionship. Barb and Omar enjoyed taking road trips across the country, eating out with friends, and maintaining a bountiful garden in their backyard. Together they embraced each other’s families, and kept busy spending time with their combined eight children and thirteen grandchildren. Friendships meant the world to Barb. So many people, both young and old, called Barb a friend and loved being around her vibrant spirit. Once you were Barb’s friend, it was for life. To her children, Barb was not only a mother, but a friend, and her true friendship and unconditional love will be greatly missed but forever cherished. Survivors include her husband Omar, children Pat Bushard of Apple Valley, Lisa (Randy) Verschaetse of New Ulm, Tori (Terry) Birkeland of Prior Lake, Amy (Mark) Hove of Golden Valley, grandchildren Katie, Sam, Joey, Nick, Isaak, Hayley, and Jack, sister Pat Hanson of Sioux City, IA, step-children Diane (Chuck) DuBray of Rapid City, SD, Renee (Mark) DeAustin of Marshall, Mark (Janet) of Victorville, CA, Linnea (Al) Roos of Angle Inlet, step-grandchildren Cecelia, John, Brianne, Chad, Wade, and Walker and many other friends and family. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Bea and Joan, and brothers Bob and Bill. The family would like to thank everyone for your prayers, support, and encouragement throughout Barb’s journey. A very special thanks to all of her caregivers at Avera and Prairie Home Hospice. ‘The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity….’