Barbara Anne Johnson

Barbara Anne Johnson, 82, formerly of Des Moines and Ankeny, Iowa, passed away peacefully in the arms of her Savoir, on Monday September 20, 2010. She died of complications from Alzheimer’s/ Dementia disease.

Barbara was born to Edward and Marie Smith in Fairfield, Iowa, on August 6, 1928. She later moved to Des Moines and married Jack D. Johnson, the love of her life. They divorced in 1970, and she never re-married. Barbara worked as a switchboard operator at Lutheran Hospital, book keeper for H & J Fasteners, Younkers, Wolfe’s, Broadlawns General Hospital , The Drake Bookstore, and finally as an aide at Parkview Middle School in Ankeny.

She loved picnics, fishing, her tiger finches, reading, painting, fashion, and the color pink. Barb cherished her grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Jack; her daughter-in-law, Michelle; and her son, Kirk Duane. Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Eddie (Karen) Smith of Ankeny; her daughter, Vicky Anne (Richard) Rowe of Mesa, Arizona; daughter, Becky Sue (David) Johnson-Niswander of Des Moines; her grandchildren, Aaron & Alex Rowe of Mesa, AZ, and Cole (Jordan) Johnson of Des Moines; and many dear nieces and nephews, as well as her many friends and second family at Polk City Nursing & Rehabilitation who fondly referred to her as “Barbie doll”. Sadly, Barbara will miss the birth of her first great grandchild (“Baby J”), due any day.

Family will receive friends from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 24, 2010, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. A memorial service for close friends and family will precede the visitation at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Animal Rescue League of Des Moines, in her name.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Polk City Nursing & Rehabilitation and Southern Care Hospice…for not hesitating to hug & love.

Online condolences to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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