BESSEMER, Mich. – Barbara Joy Matonich, 64, of 608 W. Silver St., Bessemer, passed away peacefully Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at her home.

She was born on Nov. 13, 1946, in Ironwood, the daughter of William A. and Marguerite F. (Johnson) Hansen. Barbara graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer, with the class of 1964 and from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., majoring in medical records in 1969.

She worked at hospitals in Illinois following graduation.

On Feb. 7, 1970, Barbara married James M. Matonich at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Waukegan, Ill.

She and Jim made their home in Chisholm, Minn., where she continued her work in various clinics and nursing homes.

Barbara was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church in Buhl, Minn., and Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer.

She was a kind and gentle lady who always had a kind word for everyone and enjoyed helping others. The memory of Barbara will never be lost to those who were lucky enough to know her.

She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Jim; a daughter, Meri Lee (Jason Moberg) Matonich, Superior, Wis.; a son, Daniel (Stacy) Matonich, Bloomington, Minn.; two grandchildren, Alamea and Lillian Rose Matonich; her mother, Marguerite Hansen, Ironwood; a sister, Polly (Merle) Jacobson, Bessemer; her brother-in-law, Richard Matonich, Milwaukee; two aunts and an uncle, Marilyn and Don Skwor, Memphis, Tenn., and Mildred Edyvean, Watertown, Wis.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, William "Bucky" Hansen, on Sept. 21, 2006; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Evelyn and Matt Matonich; her grandparents, Conrad and Annette Hansen and John W. and Sophie Johnson; and her sister-in-law, Pat Westeen.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Gerald L. Anderson officiating.

Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Matonich, Merle Jacobson, Mark Jacobson, Jason Moberg, Stacey Westeen and Mark Sabol.

A reception will be held in the Kastman Hall following the cemetery service.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Sharon Lutheran Church, 100 E. Sellar St., Bessemer MI 49911 or Regional Hospice, 100 S. Mill St., Bessemer MI 49911 in Barbara's memory.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Irene Vuorenmaa and Regional Hospice for the wonderful care given to Barbara. You were truly Barbara's angels.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family. Your condolences may be shared with the family at: lakesidememorialchapel.com.