Barbara Ann (Tracey) Johnson, 74, of rural Ray, N.D., passed away August 14, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Barbara was born September 9, 1943 to Roy and Lyla Tracey in Williston, N.D. Barbara grew up on a farm close to Wildrose, N.D., later moving into Wildrose with her family, where she graduated from high school. Barb went on to work in Williston for MDU. Later she worked for the ASCS offices in Williams and Divide counties, as well as in the Towner, N.D. office for a stint.

Barbara married M. Keith Johnson of rural Ray January 22, 1971. Together, they farmed, ranched and raised their three children.

Barb’s first love was her family and, as their No. 1 cheerleader, she rarely missed attending the events of her children and grandchildren. She took pride in her skills in the kitchen and made sure no one ever left her table hungry. Every year, she began her holiday baking in October, preparing batch after batch of lefse, krumkake, buns and other tasty treats to share with family and friends.

She was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She routinely visited ailing or elderly friends and would think nothing of going out of her way to help. Barbara will forever be remembered as a selfless person, always putting the needs of others before her own.

However, on occasion, she would take a “trip south” and slip away to New Town with a friend, where she enjoyed trying her luck on the slot machines. She always seemed to return home money ahead. She also enjoyed weekly visits over dinner at Senior Citizens in Epping, as well as lunch get-togethers with her closest and dearest friends.

Barb was a member of the past Williams County Homemakers group and she did books for the Wheelock Cemetery. She was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Ray, where she served as an Alter Society member, in which she helped prepare and serve meals for funerals and clean the church. She also regularly attended Epping Lutheran Church with her husband through the years. Barb often volunteered her time at Epping Lutheran as well. In 1998, Keith and Barb were honored as the Williams County Agriculturalists of the Year.

Barbara was patient, kind-hearted and genuinely cared for those around her. Even through her own medical hardships the past 10 years, her No. 1 priority remained making others feel special and welcomed. Barbara was the rock of her entire family and will be missed dearly.

Barbara is survived by: Her husband, M. Keith Johnson of rural Ray; children and grandchildren, Brian, Erin, Addyson & Brayden Johnson of rural Ray; Tracey, Thad and Jace Caldwell of Rapid City, S.D.; and Bruce, Amanda and Charley Johnson of rural Williston; sisters, Patricia (Merle) Nylander of Minot; Lyla Marie (Gene) Himmelspach of Mandan; Mary (Craig) Joraanstad of Washington, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Ellayne Tracey, Debra Tracey, Emily Darigan; and brother-in-law, Rodney Johnson. She is also survived by many special nieces and nephews and special friend Arline Larson.

Barbara was preceded in death by: Her parents, Roy and Lyla Tracey; brothers, Raymond, Joseph and James; mother and father-in-law, Esther & Adolph Johnson; and many dear friends.