Barbara Jean Anderson

Barbara Jean Anderson, cherished Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, joined our Heavenly Father on August 29th 2024 at the age of 85. She passed at home surrounded by her loving family. 

Barb was born February 1st, 1939 to Victor and Marie Parson at her Grandparents home, Hazel and Ralph Bowles, in Edon Ohio.  She was blessed with three sisters, Pat Waugh, Joan Cain, Judy Harper and a baby brother, Danny. 

She married her high school sweetheart, Merrill “Andy” Anderson, June 7th 1957 in Chariton, Iowa. They spent 67 years side by side.  To this union two daughters were born, Pamela Butler and Tina Anderson.  She was blessed with 5 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren, 2 more on the way that Barb will get to hold before they arrive.  Barb adored babies and held them every chance she had. 

Barb was a loving housewife and amazing stay-at-home mother for all of her life.  Barb was a loving, kind caring soul who not only took care of her family, but the neighbors around her. She loved Gardening, canning, cooking, her flower garden and feeding her hummingbirds. She also enjoyed cutting the hair of her family and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her baby Brother Danny, parents Victor and Marie Parson, her sister Joan Cain. 

Andy and Barb came to Loveland Colorado on vacation and fell in love with the mountains. In 1970 they purchased their “Piece of Heaven” in the Big Thompson Canyon.

In 1976 The Big Thompson Flood hit and we lost many friends in the Canyon.  Approximately 18 years later, Barb and others began compiling survivor stories from the flood. They realized how many people had not yet healed from this tragedy.  Out of this great loss Barb realized the need for people to gather and remember all those who were lost.  Barb made it her life’s goal to know at least 1 family member of the 144 that lost their lives in the Big Thompson Flood of 1976 and that they were never forgotten, she was the “Keeper of Memories”. For over 25 years she helped coordinate a memorial service every year on July 31st.

Barb is not only cherished and Loved by her family but by the neighbors and families who lost loved ones in the Canyon. She will be forever in our hearts!

A Celebration of Life is planned for Barb on September 29th 2024 At the Big Thompson Canyon Flood Memorial at 2:00 PM – Located next to the Drake Firehouse off of Highway 34. 

Please bring Lawn chairs if you can.