Barbara Jean Housey, 75, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. A celebration of life will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Stephanie White officiating. Barbara will be laid to rest in the spring of 2026 at St. Hilaire Community Cemetery.
Barbara was born on May 12, 1950, to Arnell and Mardell Johnson. She grew up in Circle Pines, MN, and graduated from Centennial High School with the class of 1968. During summers spent in Isabella, MN, she worked at Olson Café for her grandmother Elsie—where she met the love of her life, Raymond Housey. They were united in marriage on December 13, 1969, in Circle Pines and made their home in Isabella before settling in Thief River Falls in 1971.
Barbara worked at Arctic Cat before joining Northwest Medical Center, where she served as a receptionist and later in the medical records department as an office specialist until her retirement in 2016. After retiring, Barbara followed her passion for creativity and opened her own store, “Poopsies,” where she delighted in crafting, floral design, and showcasing the work of other local artists. She was well known for her welcoming smile, strong work ethic, and deep care for others.
Barbara found joy in the simple pleasures of life—shopping, crafting, camping, gardening, and decorating her home. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
She is survived by her sons: Travis (Kristi) Housey of Thief River Falls, Jared (Betty) Housey of Grand Forks, ND, and Nathan (Nicolette) Housey of Strathcona, MN; grandchildren: Erin, Brandon, Ashley, SaVanna, Ethan, McKayla, Eri, and Teddy; great-grandchildren: Amelia, Emma, Maesyn, Khloe, Emery, Sophia, Evaya, Paisley, and Kora. She is also survived by her sisters, Susie and Kathleen Johnson; brothers-in-law, Clarence (Julie) and Floyd (Lynn) Housey; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Kimball) Anderson and Diane Johnson; uncles, Harley (Lisa), Vern (Wanda), and Steven (Jan) Olson; aunt, Sonja Olson; her beloved cat, Lila; good friends, Lynn Weiss and Jean (Steve) Moulds; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her parents, Arnell and Mardell; her brother, Gregory Johnson; sister-in-law, Jeanie Loushine; and in-laws, Alvin and Lucille Housey; uncle, Mark Olson; special friend, Joan Hruby; along with many other cherished family members and friends.
Barbara’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
