Barbara Ann Jankovich

Barb was born August 6th, 1942 to Raymond and June Harris. She had 3 sisters, twins- Carol and Carolyn who died soon after birth, Beverly (Michael) Johnson, and two brothers Raymond (Patty) Harris and Charles Harris.

Her senior year of high school, Barb met “Ralphie” and they built a beautiful life together over the next 61 years. Barb liked to tell the story about how she broke her “leave with who you came with” rule, and went out for a drive with Ralph one night at a drag race. They were married at St. John Lutheran Church in Woodbury on June 3rd, 1961. Barb was a dedicated and loving wife to Ralph. Together, they adopted and raised two wonderful children, Kelli (Kyle) McDaniel, and Wade (Carolyn) Jankovich.

When the kids were old enough, Barb worked as a Loan Officer at Lake Elmo Bank. She loved her work, and the people she worked with.

One of her lifelong passions was horses. Barb enjoyed showing and going on trail rides into her 70’s. Her horse, Hope, had a special place in her heart.  

She, along with Ralph, spent the bulk of her retirement years driving school bus in Walker-Hackensack-Akeley. It brought both of them so much joy when they would run into kids they had driven, now as full-grown adults, and would catch up on their lives.

Barb passed away on August 11th, 2023 at her assisted living apartment, with her children by her side.

She was a loving woman who will be missed dearly by her family. She leaves behind her two brothers and sister, her two children and their spouses, grandchildren: Brandon Murphy (Taylor), Cassandra Murphy (Brandon), Zachary Jankovich (Emily), Jordan Jankovich (Anissa), Brianna Ramirez, Ella Eaton (David); and great grandchildren: Kayden, Aubri, Beckett, Roman, Austin and Armani.

We would like to thank White Pines Senior Living and Allina Hospice for their wonderful care of our Mother.

Service will be at 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 603 MN-371, Backus, MN 56435.