Barbara Johnston Henderson

Barbara Johnston Henderson, passed away in peace on Friday, July, 5 at Grays Harbor Community Hospital of natural causes.

Barbara Johnston Henderson passed away in peace on Friday, July 5, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital of natural causes.

Barbara was born July 19, 1928, in Centralia, Washington, the only child of Dr. Leslie and Iola Johnston. She graduated from Centralia High School in 1946, and achieved her AA degree at Centralia College.

She married Mel J. Henderson in 1947. They resided in Centralia, moving to Aberdeen after the birth of their first son, Michael. They raised two more sons, Patrick and Ronald, in Central Park.

Mel’s work brought them to Vancouver, Washington, in 1968. They returned to Aberdeen in 1983, where Barbara began working at a local nursing home. She continued to work as a personal care attendant for Harbor Care Living Association for 30 years. She retired in 2014 at age 86.

She enjoyed the outdoors, particularly boat fishing with her sons on Lake Crescent or Lake Quinault. To hear her yell “fish on” was magical.

She was predeceased by her husband, Mel, in 2000 and her son, Patrick, in 2014. She is survived by sons Michael and Ronald. Ronald is appreciated for the day-to-day care he provided Barbara in her last years.

Funeral arrangements were provided by Fern Hill Cemetery. There will be a private family service held July 19, which would have been her 91st birthday.

Barbara will be remembered by her sons as the best mother God could provide, and for her upbeat spirit and perpetual gratitude for everything.

Rest in peace, Mom. Christ is returning for you.