Barbara Jean Boersma

Barbara Jean Boersma, age 81, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2015 at her home in Grants Pass.

Barbara was born August 1, 1934 in Los Angeles, California an only child to Joseph Bernard Wesenaar and Ida Roberta Stapp Wesenaar. She was raised in South Gate, California, graduating from South Gate High School before working as a telephone operator. On January 9, 1953 in Huntington Park, California she married Jack Boersma and together they started their family, Dane born in 1954 and Renda the following year. In 1962 the family moved from Artesia, California to Grants Pass where Barbara enjoyed making the family farm a home and bringing two more children into the world with the addition of Travis in 1970 and Carly in 1973.

Barbara made everyone feel special. Her example and love of people was an inspiration to her children in their personal and business lives. Her family was the most important thing to her. To her children; she is simply the greatest lady they’ve ever known. Barbara stood for morals, values, and principles that are uncommon today. She set the example for her children to follow in both marriage and parenting.

Barbara loved the Lord. She demonstrated this in her incredible hospitality and treatment of everyone she met. Barbara’s first language was sign language, as her mother was deaf. She was a master communicator, enjoyed a good conversation and was a fantastic story-teller, especially over some of her famous home made desserts.

She enjoyed volunteering her time as a 4-H leader and as a judge in knitting and crocheting at the Josephine County Fair for 19 years.

She loved music, especially opera, and spoke of the fond memories of going with her father as a child.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Jack Boersma; 3 children, Renda Reinhart, Travis Boersma, and Carly Maxwell all of Grants Pass; 11 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Dane Boersma in 2009.

Private family services have been held. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Love Abounds Foundation, 300 North Valley Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 to support communities and families in the regions that Dutch Bros services for youth ages 0-18 through health and music.