Barbara Joy Botten

Barbara died in her home at Thorne Crest, surrounded by her loving family on January 12, 2015.
Barbara was born in St. Paul on July 9th, 1926 to Hobert and Alberta (Paley) Mckay.  During her high school years she participated in choral and theater programs and numerous clubs. She graduated with honors from the University High School in 1944. Barbara started her college years at the Conservatory of Music in Chicago.  After two years she transferred to the University of Minnesota where she received a bachelor's degree in music education.  She taught music lessons in the St Paul Public School system and also performed in recitals at the American Conservatory of Music, Macalester Presbyterian Church, and Christ Episcopal Church as lead soprano soloist.  She also sang for the Civic Opera Association, where she received recognition for her outstanding performances and commitment.
She met her lifelong husband, Harvey, on a blind date.  It was love at first site and they married a year later on November 21, 1951 and had 49 beautiful years together.  Barbara, Harvey, and daughter Anne left St. Paul and journeyed to Albert Lea to start an insurance business with State Farm. One year later, twins Susan and Steven were born. In addition to supporting Harvey's business and political aspirations, Barbara enjoyed committee and volunteer work.  She was choir director, Sunday school teacher, elder and president of the local Westminster Association at First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea. Barbara was currently a member of the United Methodist Church. She was a member of AAUW and drove inspirations and programs for children's plays and other fundraising events.  She was on numerous committees for the Naeve Hospital Association and co-chaired the planning and launch of the Candy Striper program. She was a member of Jaycee Jaynes and also a member of the Albert Lea civic choral group. She supported the local PTO, serving on numerous committees and she served on the board at Thorne Crest. She also loved to entertain.
Barbara was an active member of the Woman' Republican Club and spearheaded many local elections and fundraising events as well as Harvey's political journey.  She was elected to the state convention as first vice chairman and was a delegate for many years. Barbara enjoyed time with her friends in Albert Lea, playing bridge, attending book clubs, celebrating birthdays and entertaining.  For quiet time and reflection, she always had a sewing project on hand. Gardening was a favorite, she was so proud of her roses.
All of us will remember our family outings in Bemidji, Florida, Arizona and Bozeman, hunting, fishing, shelling and exploring the beauty of nature and life.  Barbara and Harvey loved to travel together. Barbara's special trip was to Scotland where she enjoyed exploring her McKay heritage and feeling the beauty of her family roots.  
Barbara was such a dear sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She will be missed by brother John McKay of Salt Lake City Utah, children Anne Botten of Albert Lea, Steven and wife Linda (Mehrmann) Botten of Oxnard California who have passed, Susan Botten Mitchell and husband David Mitchell of St.Paul Minnesota; her grandchildren who called her Nana, Stephanie (Botten) and husband Joe Merino of Oxnard California, Melissa Botten of Long Beach California, Lindsey (Kracum) and husband Ryan Mineburg of Redondo Beach California, Christopher Botten of Santa Monica California, Matthew Kracum of Brooklyn New York, and great grandchildren Jackson and Jossilyn Merino, Linda and Skye Hickok (daughters of Melissa Botten). Also many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Berta, husband Harvey, son Steve, daughter-in-law Linda and former son-in-law David Kracum.
Barbara was classy, elegant, spirited, loving and kind, always singing a song or humming a tune...  May the lord bless you and all the lives you have touched.  We will miss you forever.
Our sincere heartfelt gratitude to Mom's caregivers at Thorne Crest. Your love and attention around the clock were so truly appreciated.