Barbara J. Johnson

Barbara J. Johnson, 81, of Milan, passed away July 5, 2025, in East Moline.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Park Vista Memory Care 1451 20th Avenue, East Moline, IL 61244 or to Heartland Hospice at 1701 River Drive Ste 104, Moline, IL 61265.

Barbara was born on September 4, 1943, in Amherst, Ohio, the daughter of Adam and Natalie (Schoenfeld) Mackie. She married Thomas W. Johnson on March 21, 1970, in Amherst, Ohio. Barbara had worked as an executive secretary for General Motors and later alongside her husband as an office manager at Johnson Chiropractic, retiring in 2006. She enjoyed traveling, boating, and cooking for an army at all times. Barbara hated water activities so her friends, the Keeners, certified her in skinny skipping and sand snorkeling. She often had to chase her husband’s fishing worms that got loose in the refrigerator. She loved gardening, decorating, reading and being outdoors. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her kids and grandkids and any of their friends that needed a hug and a meal.

She is survived by her children, Shawna (Christopher) Molck, Milan, Cortney (Brendan Graves) Johnson, Sugar Hill, GA, Brent (Krystal Schultz) Johnson, Akron, OH; grandchildren, Kohl (Sidnee) Nylin, Donahue, IA, Riley (Matthew) Dollenbacher, Mayfield, KY, Delaney (Lucas Thieme) Nylin, Sherrard, IL, Molly Johnson, West Salem, OH, Samantha (Richard Lenninger) Molck, Moline, Alyssa Fox, Bettendorf, Shawnee (Michael) Brees, Pleasant Valley, IA; 4 great grandchildren, Evelynn Nylin, Delilah Lenninger, Juniper Lenninger, Liliana Brees; sister, Natalie (Al) Nitta; sister-in-law, Gayle Mackie, Westlake, OH; bonus sons, Ron Burdette and David Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Edward Mackie, and nephew, Kevin Mackie.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Park Vista for the many years of loving care that they extended to their mom. Thank you to our friends and family who have supported us emotionally. The Alzheimer’s journey lasted over a decade for our family, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.