The Real Pioneer Woman

Hollywood may have the Pioneer Woman, but Hope had Barb Johnson. 

My generation remembers Barb Johnson for her wonderful work as a teacher at Hope Elementary.  Even if you did not have her as a classroom teacher, her influence reached far outside those four walls.  She lead so many children through learning about pioneer history through Little Hoosiers and activities at Heritage Days in full pioneer costume.  She went on to impact future generations of children with her work at the one-room schoolhouse and the Yellow Trail Museum preserving and writing about Hope's history. She made learning fun and interactive with events like Christmas of Yesteryear and Night at the Museum. 

Her community involvement , as well as her enthusiasm and energy, was unmatched.  When she won the Republic's woman of the year award, she humbly claimed she did not deserve it.  Hope knows better. 

We have lost a treasure that cannot be replaced. Please hold her family in prayer, and please volunteer when you can.  It will take a village to replace Barb Johnson.