Barbara Jean Tollerup passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at home in Ketchum. Barbara was born the youngest of four children in San Gabriel, Calif., in June 1932.
Barbara loved being alive and lived her life to the fullest. She was deeply loved by her family and we miss her more than we can say. She has dear friends scattered far and wide, some from her school days and some more recent. We know they miss her too.
Barbara leaves behind her husband of nearly 60 years, Harold Tollerup; her daughters, Marta Tollerup and Janna Berggren (son-in-law Stephen Berggren); and her son, Kristen Tollerup (daughter-in-law Jennifer Tollerup). Barbara had three grandchildren and one on the way: Stephanie Berggren, Samantha McAlister (grandson-in-law Matthew McAlister), Harald Tollerup and a surprise Tollerup due in May. Barbara's great-grandchildren are Logan and Lucas McAlister. Barbara has a great-niece, Tami Bosonetto; a living sister, Eileen Bouma; and her cousin, Phyliss Brown.
Predeceasing Barbara were her parents, William Otway and Mattie Leona (Hancock) Dickenson; her sister Floreine and brother Benny; and her only nephew, Nick Bosonetto.
After high school and before marriage, Barbara worked as a dental assistant. She and her husband, Harold, married in 1951 and were dairy farmers for 30 years. They started with a cash-and-carry where they bottled their own milk, selling it at the dairy's drive-through and through old-fashioned milk routes all over the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. They eventually sold their land in El Monte and built two new modern dairies in Corona, Calif. They retired from the dairy business in 1980 and moved south to Solana Beach, just north of San Diego.
Laughing was important to Barbara. She had a reputation for telling a mean joke with action, accents and perfect timing, having all within earshot rolling with laughter. She was one of "The Jolly Girls," a group of girlfriends who entered and even won chili cook-offs. She and Harold loved to dance. Together they took dance lessons before they married, learning the tango, cosmopolitan, waltz, foxtrot and swing. Learning to snow and water ski more than 60 years ago started a lifelong shared joy for Barbara and Harold. From 1962 until they moved permanently to Sun Valley, they traveled each year to enjoy the fabulous snow skiing in this area. They belonged to the Sun Valley Ski Club for more than 40 years. Just last year Barbara said she had the best year of snow skiing ever. She also loved both tennis and golf.
Making a beautiful and comfortable home for her family came naturally to Barbara. She had a sense of style and creative vision that made everything she touched wonderful to experience. She enjoyed painting, knitting, crocheting and puttering around the house or in her flower garden.
Barbara and Harold traveled extensively in the United States and Europe, especially Denmark where Harold's father's family lives. Hawaii was a favorite for both and they went as often as possible to enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling and windsurfing.
We are greatly indebted to Hospice of the Wood River Valley for all their help in caring for our beloved Barbara. We also wish to thank all the family, friends and neighbors for helping in so many ways, especially our friends at Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood who brought us so many delicious meals. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice or the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood. Memorial services will be held at Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood on Saturday, March 26, at 10:30 am.
I love you, Barbara; we love you, Mom.
Friends and family can visit www.woodriverchapel.com.
