Barbara J. Ring

Barbara Jean Ring, née Noyes, Age 87, of Golden Valley, formerly of Clearwater and Robbinsdale, passed away peacefully Christmas morning, her favorite holiday. 

Barbara was born on March 13th,1937 in Minneapolis, to Vera and Donald Noyes, the eldest of seven children. She graduated from North High School in 1955. Barbara was crowned Miss Crystal Minnesota in 1954 reigning in 1955. 

Barbara met the love of her life, David Ring in 1954 at his graduation party. A deep friendship blossomed into the truest of loves and the pair were married in 1959. To this union four sons and a daughter were born. Barb was an active and busy housewife and mother, always supporting her children in their activities. She acted as a Den mother and sports Mom for baseball, hockey, football, soccer, tennis and softball. She actively supported their theater and musical endeavors. Barbara possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She read avidly and widely. A natural teacher, Barbara exposed her family to literature, art, music, dancing, history, social sciences, and culture. She also enjoyed and was skilled at needlepoint, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Her beautiful afghans are now treasured gifts of many. 

Barbara was a beloved matriarch whose heart overflowed with joy when her family grew to include grandchildren. She treasured every moment spent with them, whether at her home or the summers spent at the cabin on Duck Lake, where the family gathered for fun, laughter, and cherished memories. David often had a list of tasks to complete before the fun began, but Barbara always ensured that the home was filled with warmth, delicious meals, and hospitality. As the entertainer and master cook, she took great pride in making sure everyone was well-fed, content, and never letting the work overshadow the time for play. The grandkids will always remember watching the thermometer, waiting for it to hit 70 degrees so they could jump in the lake for the promised fun.

In addition to her family life, Barb was an active member of her communities. She was a past President of the Sacred Heart Women's Guild and the Robbinsdale Chapter of the League of Women Voters. Later in life she was a Red Hat member, volunteered at her local food shelf in Clearwater and was a member of the quilting group at St. Luke’s Church. She enjoyed the many friendships she made at Clearwater Estates. 

Barbara’s playful nurturing nature, keen intellect, curiosity, wisdom, kindness, and generosity were the basis of her exceptional spirit and the love for her family was the cornerstone of her life. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know and love her. She is our Sunshine.

Barbara is survived by her children, Mark (Judy) Ring, Minneapolis, Robert Ring, Hastings, Greg (Maureen) Ring, Oak Grove and Angela (Matt) Rouillard, Kenosha, Wisconsin, Foreign exchange daughter Isabelle Stone (Edward) of London, England; 15 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and many great and great great grandchildren; her sisters, Sharon (Lou) Navin; Diane (Butch) Niford and Pamela Noyes; many nieces, nephews, extended family and beloved friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, David; her son, Paul; her parents Vera and Donald Noyes; brothers Gary and John; sister Linda Noyes and daughter-in-law Pamela Ring.

Memorial Service will be 7:00 PM Monday, January 13, 2025 at Gearty-Delmore Robbinsdale Chapel, 3888 W. Broadway, with visitation after 5:00.  Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.