Barbara E. Johnson (Ward) passed away Sept. 8, 2016, at age 82.
She had lived at Frank Toby Jones Retirement Community for a little over a year, after residing in University Place over 40 years.
Barbara was raised in Coupeville on Whidbey Island, and after graduating high school, attended University of Washington for a year.
She then married Fred, who she’d met through the local Rainbow Girls. After a short time in the military they re-settled in Coupeville, where they starting raising the family. They moved to Mercer Island for nine years and then moved to University Place.
Barbara worked as a librarian for many years, and then studied successfully to get her brokers license while working at JET Tool and Equipment. Barbara was very involved in her church, including singing in the choir, until shortly before her last illness. Barbara and Fred loved the water, owned several boats over the years, and spent their spare time with the Tacoma Power Squadron and Tacoma Yacht Club, teaching numerous classes and fulfilling leadership rolls. She also was a long-time member of the local garden club, enjoyed supporting local pro teams Mariners and Seahawks, and looked forward to the annual gathering of the “Coupeville Girls,” friends from high school days.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Fred Dudley, son Bryan, brother Charles, and parents Ralph and Mona Ward. She is survived by her three daughters, Patty (Jim), Arlene and Terry; sister Linda; grandchildren, Jeremy, William, Carmen and Brian; great-granddaughter Catlynn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Oct. 8, 2016, at University Place Presbyterian Church.