Barbara Johnson

Barbara Ann Wigley Johnson, age 86, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on January 12, 1940, in Schenectady, New York, to Paul Allen Wigley and Helen Ethel Tysick. She was the eldest of four children and carried that role with strength and care throughout her life.

At the age of 18, Barbara proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. During her service, she developed the unique skill of writing backwards and worked plotting aircraft operations. While stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, she met Arthur Keith Johnson, who was also serving in the Air Force. The two were married on March 4, 1959, in Tacoma, Washington, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love and dedication.

Barbara and Keith began their life together in Burley, Idaho, where they welcomed their first three daughters. In 1962, they moved to Moscow, Idaho, where they added to their family and built their lives, remaining there for the rest of their lives together.

Barbara had a strong work ethic and a warm presence in every place she served. Over the years, she worked for General Telephone, Peck’s Shoe Shop, Hunter’s Candy Store and as the “cookie lady” at WSU’s CUB before finding her long-term role at the University of Idaho Library, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in 2001. Even while working full time, Barbara and Keith operated a greenhouse business on their 10-acre property on Moscow Mountain, all while raising their six daughters.

Barbara was deeply committed to her family, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her community. Always supportive of her daughters’ interests and endeavors, she volunteered as a Camp Fire Club leader, a 4-H leader, and Young Women’s Leader. Chaperoning church dances and camps as her daughters grew. She served as church librarian and Genealogical Consultant at the Family History Center. Her interest in history compelled her to volunteer as a docent at Latah County Historical Society located inside McConnell Mansion. Barbara found joy in simple, meaningful acts of love. She was an avid crocheter and lovingly created afghans for each of her grandchildren—gifts that will be cherished for generations.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Arthur Keith Johnson of Moscow; her six daughters: Deborah Ann Salisbury of Elk River, Dianne Rene Adams of Malad, Idaho, Donna Lynn Farrow of Moscow, Idaho, Denise Marie Bowles of Richland, Washington, Deidre Mae Braymen of North Bend, Washington, and Kimberly Dawn Richey of Moscow, Idaho; her sister, Paulette Green of New York; her brother, Bill Wigley of New York; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her quiet strength, her deep love for family, and the care she gave so generously to others.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara requests a donation be made in her name to McConnell Mansion/Latah County Historic Society or the Moscow Food Bank.