Barbara Jean Matts died peacefully Wednesday June 12, 2024, at home, surrounded by her family.

Barbara "Barb" Matts born March 6, 1937 in Plymouth Illinois to Roy and Sylvia Ballard.  Her family moved to Cook MN when she was 14 years old.  She attended Cook school.  She married John Gustafson on August 27, 1953 and they had 7 children.  After 20 years of marriage, they went their separate ways.  Barb married John Matts on July 9, 1977.

Barb worked as a dietary aide at the Cook Community Hospital for 30 years.  Family and friends were important to Barb.  She and John Matts created special memories with her children and grandchildren on Lake Vermilion - pontoon rides and sauna.  Barb was especially proud of her grandchildren and she and John Matts traveled the world to visit their grandchildren serving in the Armed Forces.
Barb enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, puzzles, playing piano and most of all, spending time with family and friends sitting out on the deck.  Anyone could stop at her house and she'd have sweets and a drink ready to share.
Many people created great memories with Barb to cherish forever and she will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Sylvia Ballard, husband John Matts, son John (Butch) Gustafson Jr, brother Walter Ballard, and son in law David Crego.

Barbara is survived by her daughters: Beverly McGowen (LeRoy), Sandra Boutto (James) and Sherry Crego; sons: David L Gustafson (Karen), Jeffrey Gustafson (Linda), and Gregory Gustafson (Dawn); grandchildren: Rebecca Sarazine (Mike) Michael Boutto, Eric McGowen (Jessica), Melissa Friederichs (James), Dawn Kehoe (Jason), Kelly Krueger (Jerrod), Mickey Gustafson (Angie), David B Gustafson (Stefanie), Carrie Brown (Erik), Allen Gustafson (Barbie), Lyssa Tupy, Jessica Landers, Matt Turigney (Jennie); 24 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; brother- in- law Dennis Matts (Barb); sister- in -law Karin Ballard; special family: Mike Smith, Gene and Vickie Ballard, Lawrence and Donna Gustafson, Sue and Rick Pliml, Kimberly Matts and special friend Audrey Armagost.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1pm Saturday, July 13, 2024 , at the Cook Community Center.