It would be inaccurate to say that she lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, Barb stayed strong.
Mom's fierce determination in life was only surpassed by her fun-loving, cheeky personality. You hear about those people who have "never met a stranger" but that's not a cliche' when it comes to Grandma Barbie. She was the friendliest of the friendliest and had a smile and witty quip for literally every human that crossed her path. She was an advocate for the underdog and the misunderstood. She stood up for what was right. She collected and curated a large circle of friends from every walk of life and around the world. She was the type of person to sign every written exchange with "xoxoxoxo." She loved karaoke and could belt out a convincing Bette Midler rendition of "The Rose."
Through her existence, we know what resilience, grace, and optimism truly look like. There was simply no quit nor self-pity in her DNA.
Barb is survived by her loving husband, Don Rican, her three "remarkable in her eyes" children, Sara Roberts, Lance Mertens, and Laura Whisler; her two "favorite" sons-in-law, Joerg Schumann and Jason Whisler; and the five cutest grandchildren in the world, Addison, Kolton, Vinn, Easton, and Emerson. Each of them feel very lucky to have had her in their lives. Barb was preceded in death by her parents.
Her service will be this Saturday, June 19th, at 2pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of life gathering at The Castle on Main, 116 N. Main, Fremont, NE.
Donations can be made in her memory to METAvivor to fund metastatic breast cancer research. You can do so at www.metavivor.org
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
To watch a recording of the service please use the following link:
https://youtu.be/W7wKRv0tm9M
Condolences(9)
Patti Nelson Smith
Hooper, NE Monday, June 21, 2021 Barb's kind loving heart is how I will be remembering Barb. She was always so friendly and loved Don very much. What an Angel her on earth and forever! I love you Don!Joyce Egtr
Ashland, NE Saturday, June 19, 2021 Knew Barb as she grew up and I always admired her dark hair and style. Facebook gave us back the memories we shared and was proud of being a cousin, which gave me the chance to keep in touch. She never gave up, it is a trait the Miller and I am sure Simmons have. God bless her and and her family.Joyce Egr
Sorry to miss her memorial.
Jill Nincehelser & Family
Omaha, NE Friday, June 18, 2021 Our deepest sympathy to you all. She was truly an inspiration to all, and we were so blessed to have met her. She would share pictures and information about the Simon's with me. She will be loved and missed by so many. Heaven definitely gained a beautiful angel.Love Jill, Carolyn, Joan, Chris & Taylor
Katie Miserez
, TX Friday, June 18, 2021 Barb was the brightest ray of sunshine one could encounter. She will surely be missed here, but I know for sure mom is excited to be with her best friend again. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. ♡♡♡Jennie St Lucas
Winchester, CA Friday, June 18, 2021 I am so sorry. My heart is broken. I know how much she loved her family. I could picture her face & hear her smiling as we talk. She so proud her children and grandchildren.I have so many loving memories of the times Barbie we shared over the years.
Barbie was an amazing person I loved. I am proud to have been her friend. I Loved and respect how she stood strong in want she believed in.
Barbie bravely encourage many with sharing her fight with cancer. She fought with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. Barbie had an unforgettable smile.
Barbie, was a caring, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed by so very many people.
My deepest love and prayers go out to all of us who have had the privilege loved and share this beautiful persons life.
Jennie St Lucas
Winchester, CA Friday, June 18, 2021 I am so sorry. My heart is broken. I know how much she loved her family. I could picture her face & hear her smiling as we talk. She so proud her children and grandchildren.I have so many loving memories of the times Barbie we shared over the years.
Barbie was an amazing person I loved. I am proud to have been her friend. I Loved and respect how she stood strong in want she believed in.
Barbie bravely encourage many with sharing her fight with cancer. She fought with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. Barbie had an unforgettable smile.
Barbie, was a caring, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed by so very many people.
My deepest love and prayers go out to all of us who have had the privilege loved and share this beautiful persons life.
Joann,Frankie,Mark
Omaha, NE Friday, June 18, 2021 Barb was an amazing person and will truly be missed. She also put a smile on our faces. Gave the best hugs Will continue to keep the family in our prayers. . xoxoxoSuzy Kuhr
Guerneville, CA Friday, June 18, 2021 While Barb and I grew up in the same town and went to the same school, we traveled in different circles. It wasn’t until the last few years that I came to know her wit, genius and compassion through her FB posts. We agreed on many topics of the day, and often private messaged each other with our worries and concerns about current happenings in the world.Never did she feel sorry for herself, she was always more concerned about others well being than her own. I cherish her thoughts and insights, and I value what I learned from her through her strength and spirit.
She will be greatly missed and never forgotten by many.
My sincere condolences to all of her family and friends, may her memory live on through you all.
Thank you for sharing her with us. She was truly a beautiful soul.
Suzy Kuhr and Shirley Bannert
Cristin Dietrich
Mulvane, KS Thursday, June 17, 2021 Barb was amazing! I consider myself blessed to have met her. She had fought this battle for as along as I had known. In these past few years I have been amazed and have admired her for strength and positivity through it all. You all were her light and her reason to keep fighting. That same light shines so bright through all over in its own special ways. Please know The Dietrich’s are praying for comfort, peace and understanding in the days ahead.Love,
The Dietrich’s
David, Cristin, Hunter and Koehn