June 12, 1930 – Nov. 11, 2010

Barbara J. Johnson of Waukesha died Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010, at Oak Hill Terrace at the age of 80. Barbara was born in La Crosse on June 12, 1930, a daughter of Clifford and Ethel Thomas.

On Sept. 12, 1953, Barbara married the love of her life, Leon Johnson. Barbara proudly taught at various schools. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hiking, skiing and creating artwork through painting and making ceramics. Barbara’s greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Barbara will be dearly missed by her husband, Leon "Lee"; son, C. Scott (Pat) Johnson; daughter, Sally Johnson (Mike Hinton); granddaughters, Katherine (Scott) Richgels and Laura Johnson; and sister, Betty (John) Krismer. Barbara is further survived by other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughters, Rebecca Leigh and Betty Olivia; parents; brother, C. Bruce Thomas; and sister, Ruth Anne "Ranne" Dwyer.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the 3 p.m. memorial service Saturday, Nov. 20, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St., Waukesha. The Rev. Joe Ripley will be officiating. A private inurnment will be held at Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the American Cancer Society, N19-W24350 Riverwood Drive, Waukesha, WI 53188; the Alzheimer’s Association, 620 S. 76th St., Milwaukee, WI 53214; or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For further information, please call 542-6609, or for directions, an online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit www.waukeshasfuneralhome.com.