BARBARA LOHSE
On January 19, 2021, we lost a beautiful soul, Barbara Jeanne Thomas Lohse, age 92.
Barbara was born in Oakland on August 29, 1928 to Frances and Trevor Thomas, the fourth of six children. When she was young, her family moved to Orland, where she attended local schools and graduated from Orland High School. In 1948, she married her husband, Walter, and together they raised 5 children on their ranch west of Artois. Barbara worked along Walter’s side during their marriage, growing wheat, barley, alfalfa, clover and rice. Part of the generation of doing what was needed, she spent many a day helping with the daily ranch activity, driving tractors, trucks or whatever was needed until her children were of age to help, setting an example for them to follow. Diminutive in size but strong in heart, she established a role for her family and others to follow. Always setting an example to follow from the goodness of her heart and the benefit of others. The family also raised sheep and extended their goodwill by being active members of the Glenn County Wool Growers Association, hosting some of their annual barbecues at their ranch. Always looking to provide for others, Barbara was highly regarded by many for regarded by many for her cooking expertise and won many awards for her pies, cakes and breads at the Glenn County Fair, as well as the family and work crews she provided for unselfishly. The aromas of fresh baked breads will be remembered by all.
Family was the center of Barbara’s life, hosting memorable family gatherings for holidays and special occasions. Her house was constantly full of family, laughter and always, delicious, home-cooked food. She enjoyed gardening, playing bridge or any card game, bowling and dancing in their “Cha-Cha Palace”. She loved their camping and RV trips, as well as time spent at their mountain cabin where family would gather.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Walter, her daughter, Anne Brand, great- granddaughter, Ellie Lohse, brothers, Robert and Trevor Thomas and sister, Mary Rawlings. She is survived by her brother, Norman Thomas of Medford, Oregon, sister, Dorothy Roberts of Pine Valley, four sons, Gus (Donna) Lohse, Allen (Judy) Lohse, Ted Lohse, all of Orland and Walter (Claudia) Lohse of Chico, as well as her eleven grandchildren, Matt Lohse, Kimberly Fifield, Kari Colley, Rickie Mitchell, Carol Dodson, Greg Lohse, Kevin Lohse, Jaclyn Lohse, Scott Lohse, Jake Lohse, Kelsey Lohse and twelve great-grandchildren. Special thanks to Lavonda Tracy for the loving care she provided Barbara while residing at Sparrows Landing Assisted Living for the last 1 ½ years of her life. The family will be holding a private graveside service and due to COVID, will be celebrating her life at later time.