Barbara Johnson

Barbara Ann MacDonald Denney - Seehafer – Johnson, 84, passed peacefully into her Savior’s arms June 8, 2017, in Kalispell at the Brendan House. She was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho on January 21, 1933, to Howard A. and Dorothy (Sobo Graham) MacDonald. She was a resident of Eureka, California since 1945 until she moved to Montana in February of this year. She attended local schools graduating from Eureka High in 1950.

Barbara worked for Durable Plywood and Beard Office Equipment as a bookkeeper. She and partner Jack Johnson purchased and ran Beard’s until they retired. She loved retirement and said, “I’d rather starve then go back to work.”

Barbara had an extraordinary green thumb and took pride in her beautiful yard and flowers. Craig Jones, Barbara’s gardener, helped her for many years to nurture her prized roses and keep her yard looking like a park.

She kept a lovely home and was a great cook. She was the best mom ever and you were blessed to call her a friend. Family was most important and she was always positive and uplifting to others. Even during her illness, she continued to love and adopt more family members in her new community. She was a long time member of the Eureka Elks Lodge.

Barbara is survived by her big brother, Robert “Bob” MacDonald, of Eureka, California; children Craig (Holly) Denney of Chiang Mai, Thailand; Mitzi (Ben) Barks of Libby; Brent (Tina) Seehafer of Eureka, California; grandchildren Sophia (Tim) Goodyear of Chico, California; Abbie (Travis) Goodyear of Weaverville, California; Julee (Ian) Johnson of Seattle; Scott Denney of Chiang Mai, Thailand; nieces and nephews Shel (Pat) Barsanti of McKinleyville, California; Zane (Shelli) MacDonald of Eureka, California; Rod MacDonald of Eureka, California; Ty MacDonald of Eureka, California; Renel (Tom) Nordeman of Hydesville, California; “Mac” cousins Ken (Karen) MacDonald of Bonners Ferry and Dan (Carlene) MacDonald of Moyie Springs, Idaho; and numerous great- nieces and nephews and their children.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands Robert “Bob” Denney, Ernest “Bud” Seehafer and Kent Johnson; sister-in-law, Jeanne MacDonald; and her son, Terry Walker Denney.

A very special thank you to all the staff at Brendon House for their loving and compassionate care. She loved all of you and her family was very deeply touched and grateful for that care. Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to: Brendan House, 350 Conway Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Graveside services and interment will be held in Bonners Ferry at the Grand View Cemetery, 11 a.m. Thursday, July 6. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Homes in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.