Barbara Johnson

At the age of 105, Barbara Clara Johnson passed away peacefully in her home in Lake Forest Park, Washington, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, courage and joy. Those who met Barbara will always remember her radiant smile and gracious spirit—qualities that were present even in her final days. She effortlessly made lasting connections and brought much joy to others. Barbara taught us how to live, how to die and to do both with trust in God.

Barbara was born on September 3, 1920, in Montevideo, Minnesota, to Paul and Marcella Gehrig who instilled in all six of their children a devotion to God and a love of family. Music also was a focus, as the whole family often gathered in their music room to play instruments and sing. A gifted and life-long musician, Barbara played piano by ear, taught herself many instruments (piano, organ, ukelele, guitar, drums, castanets, etc.) and sang whenever she could, easily harmonizing with those who joined her. From early on, Barb and her brothers enjoyed competing in sports, and it was while she was playing baseball at Minneapolis’ Washburn High that Owen Johnson (her prom date and future husband) knew she was “The One.” Through her life, this enduring love of sports and games carried over into other interests, such as cardplaying, crossword puzzles, and rooting for her beloved Mariners and Seahawks.

During her Minnesota years, Barbara earned her Registered Nursing degree and worked as an industrial nurse in a foundry. Afterward, she pioneered as a flight attendant with Northwest Airlines, at a time when nursing degrees were required and propeller-driven planes were flown. Barbara’s warmth and engaging smile were featured in the airline’s publicity photos, and she was selected as an attendant on Northwest’s first transcontinental flight from Seattle to New York City. When Owen returned from the war and pursued his law degree, he and Barbara reconnected their spark and married in May 1950. After starting a family, they courageously moved to Seattle where they made their home and lovingly raised their five daughters.

Barbara was a devoted wife and mother who had a knack for creating special times and fun family traditions. She always kept the cookie jar full and created a home that was warm and welcoming for all. Barbara also was called to a life of service, and she volunteered countless hours at her church and in her community. Barbara and Owen were among the founding members of Saint Mark Parish in Shoreline. Barbara was a longstanding member of the All-Saints Guild, sang in the church choir, taught catechism classes and participated in Perpetual Adoration for many years. Barbara and Owen also were long-time members of the Sheridan Beach Community Club, volunteered at a charity kitchen and hosted numerous fundraisers and social events.

When Owen passed away in 2001 (after 51 years of joyful marriage), Barbara found joy and friendship in music, first joining the Edmond’s Sound Singers and then the ukelele group. In 2008, these connections brought her to dance hula with the Kupuna group at Shoreline Senior Center, and she continued dancing hula at age 105, inspiring her dear Kupuna sisters as well as those attending the luaus. Barbara gave 100% effort to everything she did and never stopped trying new things. This love of life and learning resulted in Barbara receiving the Sound Generations Lifelong Learning award in 2016.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Owen and daughter Linda Waters. She is survived by: her daughters Janine Johnson, Marla Johnson, Corinne Stratton, and Julie Horgdal; Tom Stratton, Nancy Hovis, Jim Horgdal, Tim Waters; grandchildren Peter (Leah) Arrivey, Nick (Adrienne) Arrivey, Owen (Elizabeth) Stratton, Kate (Anthony) Burns, Michael Green, Matthew (Lindsey) Green, Chris Green and Tommy Stratton; Jacy (Tyler) Konrath and Graham Horgdal (and Jayden); and great-grandchildren Hannah, Samantha, Owen, Cedar, Jasper, Dean, Savannah, Vivienne, Jack and Beau.

A funeral service will be held at Saint Mark Parish in Shoreline, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at Saint Mark Parish, the Carmelite Monastery of Seattle or Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.