Barbara Jean Smerud, beloved mother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on Thursday May 7, 2020 at the age of 67 in her home in Tomball, TX with her two daughters.   She is survived by her daughter, Stacy Kall, son, Sam Smerud, daughter, Jennifer Smerud and sister, Rose Mary Kiesling.

Born in Wisconsin on March 5, 1953 she was the daughter of the late Vernon and Ione Wright.  Barbara grew up in Illinois and later moved back to Wisconsin where she graduated from Prentice High School in 1971.  She gave birth to her oldest child, Stacy Kall, in 1973.  Stacy was born with a rare birth defect called Cornelia de lange syndrome and Barbara loved her unconditionally.  Barbara completed her nursing assistant program from Nicolet College in 1976 while loving and caring for Stacy and working multiple jobs.   Barbara later began working at Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk, Wisconsin where she met her late husband, Sam Smerud Sr.  She and Sam were married for many happy years and had two children, Samuel Smerud Jr. and Jennifer Smerud.

Barbara enjoyed cooking, playing cards and spending time with her friends and family.   She was a very proud mom to her three children and never missed a single one of their sports games – including her oldest daughter Stacy's many Special Olympics events.  Her children meant everything to her and she loved every opportunity that she got to brag about them.  Barbara's loving and caring heart, witty sense of humor and bright smile will always be remembered.  She truly cherished her relationships with her friends and family.  Her positive spirit and optimistic outlook has been an inspiration to many.

Barbara is preceded in death by her father, Vernon Wright, mother, Ione Larson, brother, Larry Gerrits, sister, Gerri Gerrits, sister, Ginny Wright, and husband Sam Smerud Sr.  A Celebration Of Life will be scheduled at a later date when all her friends and family feel safe to celebrate together.