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Barbara had a big heart, a strong work ethic, and a natural gift for caring for others.

Barbara Jean Litchy, 82, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples, surrounded by the love of her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 29, 2026, at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to Mass and stay for a luncheon to follow. Interment will take place at St. Mathias Parish Cemetery.

Barbara was born in St. Paul, the daughter of Clement and Leona (Wroolie) DeRosier. After graduating from high school, a blind date changed the course of her life when she met a handsome young man named Vernon Litchy. The two kept in touch through letters while Vern served in the military, and when he returned home, they decided to make it official. They married on June 13, 1964, beginning 62 years of marriage, three children, three grandchildren, and a whole lot of food, laughter, and love.

If there was one thing Barbara knew how to do, it was feed people. Food was her love language, and nobody left her house hungry. Whether you came for a visit, a holiday, or just happened to wander through the kitchen, chances were good you'd be offered something to eat. And chances were even better that it would be delicious. Barbara was a wonderful cook who believed that a full stomach was one of the best ways to show someone you cared.

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Barbara spent her life making sure everyone had enough — enough to eat, enough love, and enough reasons to smile.

But her nurturing spirit extended far beyond the kitchen. Barbara had a big heart, a strong work ethic, and a natural gift for caring for others. She devoted herself to her children and family and spent 25 years caring for residents at Good Samaritan Village – Woodland. She wasn't afraid of hard work, and she certainly wasn't afraid to speak her mind. That combination of kindness and a little spice made Barbara wonderfully, unmistakably Barbara.

When she wasn't busy taking care of everyone else, Barbara enjoyed crocheting, gardening, camping, and traveling. Of course, some of her favorite adventures didn't require traveling too far — just far enough to find a casino! She may not have always come home with more money than she left with, but she certainly knew how to enjoy herself. Family card parties were another favorite tradition, filled with laughter, a little friendly competition, and perhaps a bit of that famous Barbara sass.

Barbara lived with a generous heart, capable hands, and a spirited personality that kept life interesting. She loved fiercely, fed generously, worked hard, and knew that life was meant to be enjoyed. Her family will miss her cooking, her caring ways, her feisty spirit, and all the little things that made her so special. And while there may be an empty chair at the next card party, there will certainly be plenty of stories to tell.

Barbara will be dearly missed by her husband, Vern; children, Janeen (Alan Beckman) Litchy, Troy (Janelle) Litchy, and Trever (Angie) Litchy; grandchildren, Brianna McKibbens, Mikayla McKibbens, and Rylen Litchy; sister-in-law, Sally DeRosier; brother-in-law, Jerry Tschida; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Melford “Curly” Kurz; and siblings, Clement DeRosier, Jr., Mary Tschida, and Ronald DeRosier.

Barbara spent her life making sure everyone had enough — enough to eat, enough love, and enough reasons to smile. And that is a beautiful way to be remembered.