Barbara was born on September 4, 1941 in Montevideo, Minnesota to Irene and Luverne Myhre.  She grew up and was educated in the public schools of Montevideo.  She had two brothers; Roger and Steve, and one sister Shelly.  In 1944, her birth mother died in a house fire. In the following years her father was re-married to Verna Deline Evenson.  Barbara graduated from Montevideo Public High School in 1959 and moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota to work as a nanny.  During this time, she met Carrol Dale Christianson, an active member of the U.S. military.  They were married and thus began a traveling phase of her life.  In the span of 16 years, she lived in ten different locations in the United States as during various deployments with the U.S. Army and the United States Coast Guard.  They lived in Ketchikan, Alaska; Columbus, Ohio; Traverse City, Michigan; Montevideo, Minnesota; Pensacola, Florida; Yorktown, Virginia; Port Angeles, Washington; Kodiak Island, Alaska; Saginaw, Michigan; Millington, Tennessee; and finally Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.  During this time she had five children, all in different locations; Theresa in Ketchikan, Troy in Columbus, Todd in Traverse City, Tracey in Yorktown, and Thor in Saginaw.   Barbara's primary occupation was homemaker, but she branched out after moving to Detroit Lakes as a Salesperson for A&B Automotive and a Car Salesperson at Nereson Chevrolet.   She was divorced from Carrol in 1980 and she continued residence in Detroit Lakes. In the fall of 1984, she met Duane Erickson while working for A&B Automotive.  They were married on July 13, 1985, at the Lutheran Church in Flom, MN.  She resumed her occupation as a homemaker for Duane and his three sons; Chris, Darin, and Chad at his farm east of Ulen, MN.   She also played an important role for Duane and his farming operation, working as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager for Circle E Farms and Circle E Transportation.  Her role included all aspects of the business and farm operations. She was adept at learning new skills.  Barbara had many hobbies and interests including knitting, quilting, needle point, steamer chest and furniture refinishing, cooking, gardening, and a variety of crafts.  Her artistic ability produced many special Christmas gifts to her husband, children, and family.   Barbara loved the Christmas season and enjoyed decorating.  She transformed her home into one that immediately put the family and visitors at ease and made each feel welcome. She was a cooking enthusiast specializing in traditional dishes, but was unafraid to try new recipes. She expressed her love for baking and cooking by sharing the baked goods and ensured all left her table full. You could often see a scene during holidays where she prepared a massive celebratory feast and took extreme joy as each ate their fill and enjoyed her cooking.  She would then clear the table and wash all the dishes. Her feat was followed by the question, "who is ready for pie?" When friends and family replied with "I am so full", Barbara returned the comment, "there is always room for pie." On Monday, February 27 th , 2017 Barbara passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's related dementia. Barbara is survived by her husband, Duane of Ulen; three sons: Todd of Motely, MN, Thor (Jacquelyn) of Carver, MN, and Troy (Jennifer) of Faribault, MN; two daughters, Theresa (Allan Jr.) Witthoeft of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Tracey Christianson, of Minnetonka, MN; three step-sons: Chris (Tammy), Darin (Debbie) and Chad, all of Ulen; two brothers, Steve (Teri) of Montevideo and Roger (Mary) of Brenna, WA; one sister, Shelley Loose of Granite Falls, MN; 13 grandchildren; nine step grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren; and one great step-grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her parents.