Barbara J. Race, 73

Barbara Jean Race of Austin, born on December 1, 1950, in South St. Paul, Minnesota, got her wings on August 9, 2024 at Mayo Clinic-St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, at the age of 73.

A loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and loyal friend, Barb’s life was defined by her deep love for her family and her strong-willed spirit.

Barb graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1968. Just two years later, on March 28, 1970, she married her soulmate, Steven Race, and together they shared a lifetime (almost 55 years) of love, companionship and good-natured teasing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elaine and Robert Darveaux; and her sister, Susan Rossler.

Barb leaves behind her beloved husband, Steven Race; daughter, Dana (Joe) Arvidson; son, Dan Race; granddaughters, Alyssa (Nicole) Smith Arvidson, and Rhianna (Jeremiah) Race; great grandson, Beau Smith Arvidson; siblings, Bob Darveaux, Patty Mingo, and Margaret Swanson.

Barb’s working life included time at Pearson’s Candy Factory in South St. Paul and as a home health aide for Mower County. But her most treasured role was as a homemaker and grandmother. Barb had a passion for cooking and baking, always preparing enough to feed not just her family, but the entire neighborhood. Her kitchen was the center of her home, where love was the main ingredient in everything she made.

A true collector at heart, Barb got a thrill out of finding new treasures. She had an eye for beautiful things like Roseville pottery and found joy in going to garage sales, estate sales and antique stores with friends. She loved attending auctions with her husband, Steve. Once she set her sights on something, there was no point in bidding against her-her determination ensured that she would always come out on top.

Barb had a deep faith in God and always kept her family and friends in her prayers. She adored animals, especially her beloved Yorkies, who were her constant companions. Above all, she loved her family fiercely, always making sure that they felt her unwavering love and support. Barb had a feisty attitude and was never afraid to voice her opinions, but her love was strong and enduring.

Barb’s life will be celebrated at 12 pm on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with Pastor Rick Moe officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made in Barb’s memory to the Mower County Humane Society, a cause close to her heart.

Mower County Humane Society, Attention: Treasurer 101 22nd Street SE Austin, MN 55912.

Barb’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary