Barbara Jean Kauss

ASHLAND, Wis. - Barbara Jean Kauss, 76, of Ashland, formerly of Ewen, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Tamarack Health Center on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.

Barbara was born on June 29, 1948, and was the daughter of the late David and Virginia Gregory of Ontonagon, Michigan.

Barbara was a beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Barbara had a wide array of short careers throughout her life, including being a butcher for several years at Nordine's Food Store in Ewen, along with a number of jobs where she was a cook to several restaurants in the area. One of her passions was to make unbelievably good food.

She married Richard (Dick) Leo Kauss on Oct. 18, 1969.

In early 1996, the mine where Dick worked closed due to economic impacts, Dick then soon accepted a position at Kennecott Utah Copper, and they relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they remained until Dick's passing in 2020.

After moving to Salt Lake City, Barb and Dick spent many happy years together, enjoying their passion for traveling. They had seen most of the country's attractions, including Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore and most of the national parks throughout the country. They took a trip out of the country to London, England, in the early 90's.

Barb had a love of plants and flowers, and all the various kinds that the world had to offer. Her hobbies, passions and favorite pastimes included cooking, bowling, puzzles, oldies music, crocheting and her profound love for backyard birding, with a special love of hummingbirds. She shared the love of the Green Bay Packers with the rest of her family, barbecuing on the weekends, and camping in the Uinta Mountains of Salt Lake City.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband of 50 years, Dick; brother, Jerry Gregory; sister, Patty Saari; brother, David Gregory; and sister, Bonnie Potvin.

She is survived by her children, including sons, James (Barb) of Ashland, and Richard (Tina) of West Valley City, Utah; and daughter, Cherri of Ashland; three grandchildren, Kyle, Amanda and Macy; two step-grandchildren, Calista and Ember; and four great-grandchildren, Kam, Ily, Kip and Myles. She is also survived by her sister, Coleen Saari, of Winona, Michigan.

The family would like to thank Tamarack Health for their kind and loving care for the last couple weeks of her life.

At her wish, there are no funeral plans, and a memorial service/celebration of life will be planned later. Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Ewen.

We love you and await the day that we can be with you again. Barbara "Barb/Mom" will be sadly missed by all that knew her.

Roberts Funeral Home of Ashland is assisting the family with arrangements. To view this obituary online, sign the guestbook or express online condolences, visit us at bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com.