On July 24, 2013, Barbara Jerome Christofferson Hurd, 90, entered into eternal life, dying peacefully in her sleep at her home in Jasper, Arkansas during a thunderstorm.

Born in Minneapolis, MN, on Oct. 22, 1922, Barbara was the second of four children of Ralph Frederick and Helen Caroline (Schweizer) Jerome. She graduated in 1940 from St. Louis Park High School in Minneapolis, and attended the University of Minnesota for two years, majoring in journalism and working as a reporter for the University newspaper.

On December 16, 1942, she married Frank E. Christofferson, a Naval Lieutenant and decorated fighter pilot who fought in the Pacific during World War II. Over the next 18 years they welcomed eight children, lived in several states, including Maryland and California, and eventually settled their family in St. Louis, Missouri, where Frank accepted a position as Manager of Flight Test for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation, a position he held until his death.

In 1967, their son, Scott, was killed in action in Vietnam, and a few months later, Frank died of a sudden brain aneurysm, leaving Barbara widowed with five children still living at home. On Sept. 5, 1969, she married Harold W. Hurd of Hillsboro, Missouri, with whom she eventually purchased the mountain property in Jasper where she has lived for nearly 40 years.

Barbara was a woman of many talents and interests. She was a published poet and a prolific painter, having produced some 600 paintings of landscapes, cemeteries, cows, horses, barns and many portraits of friends, family and her Arkansas neighbors. An experienced horsewoman, she rode trails throughout the Buffalo River area of Mt. Sherman, and taught many of her 23 grandchildren to ride. She participated in numerous roundups and cattle drives in Western Wyoming well into her 80s.

An intrepid traveller, Barbara drove many thousands of miles across the U.S. to visit family and friends during her long life. Her last big trip was in July 2010 to Minnesota for her 70th high school reunion.

In 2007, Barbara became an Arkansas Forest Steward and in 2009 was named Arkansas Forest Steward of the Year.

A devout Catholic convert, Barbara was an enthusiastic defender of the Faith who lived her beliefs with optimism, sincerity and determination. She was a communicant of Mary Mother of God Church in Harrison.

Barbara is survived by seven of her children and their families: Clyde and Judy Christofferson of Reston, VA; Jan Ferland of Noblesville, IN; James Christofferson of Naperville, IL and partner Jennifer Schwarz; former daughter-in-law Terry Christofferson of White Plains, NY; Carrie and David Handy of St. Albans, VT; Kit and Paul Lammert of Huntington Beach, CA; Carl Christofferson and Linda Shaw of Seattle, WA; and Frank and Renee Christofferson of Broomfield, CO; 23 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters in law: Lucille Jerome and Lorraine Jerome, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Frank Christofferson, in 1968; her second husband, Harold Hurd, in 1991; her son, Scott, in 1967; her son-in-law, Denis Ferland, in 2011; as well as her parents Ralph F. and Helen Jerome, and her siblings Ralph M. Jerome, Beverly Waters and Jerry Jerome.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, July 27 at Mary Mother of God Catholic Church in Harrison with Father James M. Fanrak officiating. There was open visitation held at Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison. Burial followed in Mt. Sherman Cemetery.

Pallbearers included David Handy, Joseph Handy, Samuel Handy, Paul Lammert, Matt Lammert, Jeff Lammert and James Christofferson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newton County Christian Food Room.

Online condolences may be made at www.coffmanfh.com.