Barbara J (Mitchell) Willson

North Mankato Mortuary
507-388-2288

Mankato resident, Barbara J. Willson, age 82 died on Friday, September 30, 2011 at Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato, MN.

Barbara was born on June 26, 1929 to Harry Lee Mitchell and Charlotte (Burns) Mitchell on a farm near Sibley, Iowa. She attended a country elementary school and graduated from Sibley High School in 1948.

She attended the University of Northern Iowa from 1948 " 1950 and taught first grade for two years in Manchester, Iowa.

Barbara married Robert W. Willson on May 21, 1950, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. They had four children and lived in several locations across the country. Barbara was a homemaker and had a few jobs over the years. One of her favorite jobs was being a Librarian in Sibley, Iowa and reading books to children.

In high school, she was active in 4-H, several music groups, and involved in church activities. She enjoyed singing and music her whole life. When she was younger, she sang at funerals, weddings and other church services.

In later years, she enjoyed doing craft projects with her grandchildren and great grandchild. She also enjoyed completing crossword puzzles, Cryptoquotes, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband Robert; two daughters, Debra Claxton and Linda Anderson (Bruce); two sons, Scott Willson (Annette) and Gregory Willson (Nicole); six grandchildren, Sonja, Brian (Mary), Brett, Shawn, Cole, and Rachel, one great-grandchild Emily, two step grandchildren, Eric and Eddy, and one step grandchild Robby.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Charlotte, her sister Elizabeth, and her granddaughter Angela. A private family funeral service is planned.