Ona Mae Barclay

  Ona Mae Louise Barclay, age 85, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 26, 2018. Ona Mae was the firstborn to Justin and Barbara Johnson in Bemidji, Minnesota, on Jan. 10, 1933 and eventually became the oldest of 13 children. Even at a young age she became the matriarch of her family and continued to hold that precious role until she passed away.
  Ona Mae fell in love with a young man she had literally known her entire life. Bill Barclay was a rambunctious lad who always seemed to find trouble as Ona would tattle on him relentlessly while they attended a one-room schoolhouse together. Be that as it may, they eventually fell in love that led to 59 years of marriage. Together they had three children, one of which left this world way too soon at the tender age of 3. We are rejoicing that she is once again reunited with Greg for the first time in over 50 years, and her loving husband Bill, who passed away in 2013.
  Ona Mae and Bill traveled all over the country after his working career and truly had an adventure in every single place they lived. In their desire to be closer to family, they moved to their final home, Lynden, in 2008. She loved to read, go to garage sales and play cards with family and even began to paint in the later part of her life. As Bill’s health began to decline, Ona Mae considered it an honor and privilege to care for him and demonstrate what it means to be a dedicated loving spouse, never thinking of her own needs but showing what unconditional love really is until his passing. As Ona Mae never spent time in the hospital or rarely got sick, it was a great shock to discover that she had vascular Parkinson’s. While this horrible disease robbed her of her mobility and ability to care for herself, she never lost her sharp keen mind and maintained her matriarch status to the end. Her greatest joy was seeing her family and sharing stories while sipping a hazelnut latte.
  Ona Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Justin and Barbara; three sisters, Janice, LeEllen and Sandra; and six brothers, Larry, Vernon, Dennis, Miles, Reed and Walter; her husband of 59 years, Bill; and her 3-year-old son Greg.
  She is survived by two sisters, Barb and LuWane; and one brother, LeRoy; children Randy (Sally), Penny (Greg Bowen) and Brian (Chris); grandchildren Terry (Michelle), Deanna (SanJay Pathak), Billy, Stephanie (Josh Henrie), Kendra (Jess Lallas), Derek, Brett (Amanda), Kyle, and Collin (girlfriend Kaylee); great-granddaughter Maci Rae Henrie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christian Health Care Center in Lynden.