Barbara (Barb) Jean Gray

PORTAGE - Barbara (Barb) Jean Gray, 68, passed away on July 12, 2024, in Aspirus Hospital after a short illness. Barb had various health issues throughout the years and courageously fought to stay strong and healthy.

Born on September 12, 1956, Barb was given up after birth and spent her youth in and out of foster care homes. Once she became an adult, Barb moved to Madison and eventually resided in Portage, WI until her passing.

Although Barb did not meet her birth mother or family, she felt deep affection for them, and kept information she found in a photo album with other important memories.

Barb lived with her best friend Dick Shields for over 40 years. He became her beloved caregiver, confidant, advocate, and support family.

If you spent any time with Barb, you knew her love for Pepsi products. Her apartment displayed Pepsi memorabilia and she regularly wore Pepsi shirts and hats. A can of Pepsi was always in hand, or nearby.

Barb also collected Beanie Babies, keychains, bracelets, books, and other items she cherished.

Barb religiously kept up with current events by watching news coverage and reading the daily newspaper. She enjoyed engaging in conversation about daily, newsworthy occurrences and always wanted to help anyone that experienced a tragedy or hardship.

Barb was a proud Democrat, and if you thought you were going to win a debate if voted differently, well, think again, because she would not hear of it! She never missed the opportunity to vote, especially during a presidential election. She had a vast book collection of past Democratic presidents and was always willing to share if you wanted to borrow one.

Barb also had a generous heart and gave money to numerous organizations (too many to count). Barb would help anyone that needed help.

If Barb had your address, she would send birthday and holiday cards. Hers were the first to arrive. She kept an extensive date book, with addresses and valuable information. Barb also loved receiving cards and gifts.  

Barb was so proud to have worked at Northwoods, Inc., in Portage, and had the utmost respect and fond memories of collaborating with people that worked relentlessly to help her feel successful.

Thank you to Carol and Jeff Aerts, Jolene Wheeler, Jody Dahl, Peggy Wolzen, Christina Fehrman, Beth Leege, and so many others at Northwoods Inc.

Thank you to Portage EMT services and Aspirus Hospital, UW Hospital and Clinics, Portage Pauquette Center, Portage Walgreens, ADRC Columbia County, St. Croix Hospice, Corrina McVay, Baraboo Brightstar, Michelle Balfanz, Nichole Gawronski, Richard Behm, and to anyone else that assisted Barb during her life.

Barb will be missed by her dear friend, Paula Berg.

Let us not forget Barb’s perseverance to lead a life of purpose and the challenges that she continually tried to live with and improve. Fly high, Barb, you will be missed by those that knew you!

The celebration of Barb’s life will be on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.

Barb, thank you for including me in your life. Love, Mary