Barbara Jean (Hoffman) Johnson

We are blessed to celebrate, in memoriam, the earthly life of Barbara Jean (Hoffman) Johnson, born December 21st, 1931 - deceased July 17th, 2022

Barbara grew up in Michigan City, Indiana the youngest daughter of Otto and Amelia (Baetzel) Hoffman. She was raising 2 children from her previous marriage when she met and married Glen D. Johnson who passed in 2015, after 58 years of joyful marriage together.

Barbara was influenced and inspired by her musical family growing up, and the family she married into. She loved singing in church, and in later years with her husband Glen, putting on karaoke shows for the residents and guests at their home -the past 2 decades- the Royal Gorge Manor in Canon City, Colorado. She also loved to prepare traditional family meals, desserts, and pastries; many influenced by her German heritage. Chicken noodle soup, from scratch, was her family's highly praised favorite. She also won awards for her southwest Green Chili and could hardly get through a family potluck without requests for her Butterscotch Pie.

Barb and Glen raised 4 children at the family home in Starke County, Indiana next to the Kankakee River. Many a family gathering took place there over the years, hosting both sides of the family, who were there to enjoy the swimmin' hole in summer, and wholesome country farm living year-round. While on the farm, Barb decided to pursue unfinished business to obtain her High School Diploma, which she achieved by attending her Junior and Senior years at Oregon-Davis H.S. She graduated with honors in 1971, participating in the processional among her peers, all of which were young enough to be her children. After graduating, Barb worked for the school as one of the lunch ladies, while also holding down the administrative duties of the family dairy and grain farm.

Barbara was also active at the Christian Science Church in Michigan City, where she served as 2nd Reader, and attended several years of Association, under the tutelage of Mrs. Miller, whom she was very fond of as a mentor in her spiritual learning.

Barb and Glen moved to Punta Gorda, Florida for a while, after selling the family farm. This was followed by their permanent move to Colorado, where she and Glen both worked at the Transportation Test Center, Glen as a Locomotive Engineer, and Barb as a cook at the facility's institutional dining area. By this time, they were known to their younger peers as Ma & Hoss, nicknames of endearment which they proudly claimed.

After retirement, Barb and Hoss (Glen) sold their home in Pueblo and traveled all over the U.S. for nearly half a decade in their 5th wheel trailer. This included extended summer stops in Indiana to spend time with family, and to get to know their grandkids. Eventually, they found their permanent home in Canon City, Colorado where they continued enjoying occasional group camping outings, events, and activities at "The Manor", and trips to Cripple Creek for a shot at the "One Armed Bandits", of which Barb had a pretty good run of successes playing over the years.

In 2020, an unexpected blessing came to Barbara, the discovery and reunion with a daughter, whom she had given up for adoption in 1954 (before her marriage to Glen). Her name was Cathy Jean, the first and shared middle name which Barbara had given to her the day Cathy was born. It was a secret she kept for 63 years until she was reunited with Cathy, who established contact by long distance and soon after, in person, visited her in Colorado. Their visit was blessed with wonderful attachment during their conversations over dinners and site-seeing. It was a blessing for which everyone involved has been so grateful.

Barbara is survived by son Rick D Johnson of Crystal, MI; daughter Cheryel L (Johnson) Parker of Canon City, CO; daughter Cathy J (Wark) Murphy of Valparaiso, IN; son Glen S Johnson of Valparaiso, IN; son Daniel L Johnson of Laporte, IN, as well as10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful for all expressions of Love for Barbara, in any form chosen, in lieu of attended services. Her cremated remains will be interred at Fort Logan Cemetery in Colorado, resting next to those of her dear departed husband Glen. 

As Barbara always expressed to everyone, next to her signature on cards and letters.

"Great Love!"

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