Barbara Jean Ley

Barbara Jean Ley (nee Williams, Larson) passed away March 24, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was a resident of Brooklyn Center later Richfield, MN. Barbie was born July, 21, 1948 in Litchfield, MN. She was the loving daughter of Margaret A. (Madden) Mortvedt and Robert W. Williams.

Barbie attended Immaculate Conception and graduated from Columbia Heights High School in 1966. She was married to Ken Larson and they had 3 children. Barbie spent many years as a homemaker and babysitter for several local families. Around 1982, Barbie began her career in Plymouth at Erickson's Super Valu/New Market, continued working there until she was transferred to Cub Foods. She also held two jobs at Subway and Herb's Service Center, while working at New Market. She was a dedicated worker of the deli and bakery departments and really enjoyed the people she served. Barbie later married Ken Ley in 2005. They had many good years cruising through life together, loving each other for who they are. Unfortunately, once Barbie retired, health issues-dementia and arthritis, cut short their fun times, but not once did Ken leave Barbie's side through their almost 21 years of marriage. Ken was with Barbie, Jessica, Joe, and Jessie as she took her last breath. She was not alone. We know she was greeted in heaven by her loving dogs that always kept her company through the years.

Barbie enjoyed time with family, friends, and her dogs. She loved music, reading, collecting books, writing letters, playing games (especially Scrabble with her mom and daughter), cruising and looking at old cars, helping and caring for others. Barbie's faith led her to be one of the most loving, caring, and kindest persons you would ever meet-always willing to check up, help, and serve others.

Barbie is preceded in death by her mother Margaret (nee Madden, Williams) and Julius Mortvedt; father Robert W. Williams, and brother Bob Williams; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her dogs.

Barbie is survived by her loving and cherished husband Kenneth Ley of Brooklyn Center; daughter Jessica (Paul) Perrault of Blaine; sons Joe (Jessie) Larson of St. Michael; Bill (Emily) Larson of Rockford; step daughter Lorraine (Kevin) Bacon of CA; grandchildren Brittany (Ryan) Giles, Jacob (Maddie Johnson) Lemke, Rory Larson, Andrew (Mariah) Lemke, Cora Larson, and Jane Larson; step grandchildren-all of whom she did not have the pleasure to meet-Caleb, Charles, Ian, and Benjamin Perrault, Ashley and Kaylee Conrad, Kevin M. and Alyssa (Matthew), and step great grandchildren Logan and Grayson; Brothers and sisters in law-Jeff and Carol Ley; Tim and Laurel Ley; and many nieces and nephews.

A special heartfelt thank you to the staff of Cecilia's Place in Richfield and the Our Lady of Peace Hospice staff for their loving care of Barbie and her family, especially in the last week.

Celebration of Life will be held later. For further information or condolences for the family, contact Jessica Perrault on Facebook or jtlemke@yahoo.com. Arrangements are made under the direction of the Cremation Society of Minnesota.