Barbara Watt Johnson

1930 - 2025

Barbara Watt Johnson

August 4, 1930 - September 17, 2025

Barbara Watt Johnson, 95, of Moline, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at The Kahl Home in Davenport, Iowa.

Barbara was born on August 4, 1930, in her childhood home in Monmouth, Illinois; she often claimed it was the hottest day of the year, as if an omen to coincide with her arrival. She spent her first 21 years there, attending Monmouth public schools and graduating from Monmouth College in 1952 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Barbara excelled academically, making her mother proud as a well-behaved, hardworking student.

In 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, John Allan (Al) Johnson. The couple moved to Laguna Beach, California, where Barbara taught elementary school and welcomed their first daughter, Kathy. They later returned to Monmouth, where Barbara worked as a substitute teacher, before moving back to California in 1956, where their second daughter, Sara, was born. Barbara then retired from teaching to devote herself to being a full-time homemaker.

In 1969, the Johnson family moved to Moline, Illinois, where Al began a restaurant business. Though they divorced in 1982, Barbara and Al remained close.

A longtime resident of Moline, Barbara was an active member of First Congregational Church, where she served on many committees and as a Stephen Minister. She also served on the advisory board of The Salvation Army. In 1993, Barbara was appointed to the Monmouth College Board of Trustees, the institution's leadership, and governing body, where she helped guide the College's strategic direction. She continued her legacy of service and generosity as a member of the McMichael Heritage Circle, the College's highest donor recognition society, and contributed her time to numerous class reunion committees. Barbara will be remembered for her steadfast commitment to Monmouth College and the enduring impact of her leadership.

A devoted member of the Alpha Deuteron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Barbara proudly served on the advisory board of the Minnie Stewart Foundation in Monmouth, Illinois. Her leadership helped secure the Stewart House's place on the National Register of Historic Homes in 1989, preserving the legacy of Kappa's founding for generations to come.

Barbara was a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood since 1959, a longtime member of Chapter KT in Rock Island, and part of the King's Daughters, Jane Addams Circle.

She loved playing bridge, reading, and solving crossword puzzles. An avid traveler, Barbara especially cherished visiting the Holy Land, and as a true Anglophile, she returned to England countless times. She adored shopping and fashion, always leaving the house "dressed to the nines." Adventurous at heart, she never missed a chance to ride a roller coaster; the scarier, the better. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother who also adored her niece and nephew.

Barbara enjoyed dining with friends at many fine Quad Cities restaurants, often ordering her favorite meal of Oysters Rockefeller, lobster, and a vodka gimlet. She was a lover of music, symphonic, big band, choral, and organ, and was a longtime Quad City Symphony season ticket holder.

Known as an extraordinary hostess, Barbara entertained often, throwing countless dinner parties. She gave generously of her time and resources to charities, and her quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and positive outlook brightened every room. A lifelong learner, she was genuinely interested in others, forming friendships quickly and deeply. She raised her daughters with love, warmth, and gentle guidance.

She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Johnson Lara of Hampton, IL, and Sara Johnson Gerlach of West Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Chelsea Lindsey, Olivia Lara, and Sean Lara; and great-grandchildren, Jessica Murray and Kai Lara. She is also survived by her niece, Laurie (Maguire) Todd of Monmouth, and nephew, Michael Maguire of Omaha, NE.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Margaret (Staat) Watt; her sister, Joan (Watt) Maguire; and her infant daughter, Susan Christine.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at First Congregational Church in Moline, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. A luncheon reception will be held in the church Fellowship Hall. A private burial will take place at Warren County Memorial Cemetery in Monmouth, Illinois, on October 5.

Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church of Moline, The Salvation Army, or Monmouth College.

Condolences may be shared at www.RaffertyFunerals.com.