Barbara Mae Thomas

Barbara M. Thomas, Chimookamaaniikwe “Big Knife Woman” of the Bullhead Clan, age 77, began her journey to the spirit world on February 12, 2026 at Red Lake Hospital with her daughter Amanda, her sister Virginia Spears, Wayne Johnson Sr, Wayne Johnson Jr, Mikaila and Tyrell by her side.

Barbara was born on September 4, 1948 to Murphy and Katherine  (Cloud) Thomas Sr.  She graduated from High School in Utah and continued her education at the Minnesota School of Business, graduating with her degree in Administrative Business.  She was employed with Comprehensive Health Services, serving the Ponemah Clinic, for 55 years. She loved her job and the people she served. Barb also served on the Red Lake School Board for 29 years. She really loved advocating for the youth. Barb also served on the Wisdom Steps Board for 20 years. She enjoyed working with our elders in the Ponemah community. She loved working within the community. Barb also loved to play bingo at Mystic Lake, Mille Lacs and the Old Palace & Casino. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter, Naleina. Her favorite past times were gambling, bingo and listening to George Jones, her hero. She was also a big fan of Dog the Bounty Hunter, traveling to Hawaii in hopes of meeting him. Barb was kind, caring, compassionate and loved everybody. Her door was always open to those who needed her. She was a big advocate on getting your education. She loved her family wholeheartedly and went above and beyond for them. Barb will be missed by her kids, grandchildren and her bestest friend, Wayne Johnson Sr, her sisters (Fran & Rita J) and her nephews.

Barbara is survived by her children: Amanda Johnson, Wayne Johnson Jr and Rhonda Thomas; best friend and father of her children: Wayne Johnson Sr; sisters: Frances Miller, Rita Johnson and Virginia Spears; nephews: Tom Hardy, Cam Hardy, Kwam Thomas and Koons Thomas; and 11 grandchildren: MiKaila, Kyrell, Naleina, Rydell, Kiki, Auvi, Timmy, Tyrell, Tyren, Korbin, Jack and Kaiti.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Murphy and Katherine Thomas Sr; sister: Janet Thomas; brothers: Richard Cloud, Robert “Bozo” Thomas and Murphy Thomas Jr; nephews: Murphy Thomas III and Christopher Thomas; and all our relatives who journeyed on before her.

A wake will begin at 1 PM on Monday, February 16, 2026 at the Ponemah Boys and Girls Center and will continue until the service at 10 AM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 with Spiritual Leader Allen Hardy. Active Pallbearers will be Kyrell Moose, Scruff Johnson, Gary Lee Johnson, Barney Thomas, Kwam Thomas, Koons Thomas, Timothy Johnson, Cameron Hardy, Evan Thomas, Kenny Cloud, Jack Brown. Alternates: Kip Perkins, Darrell “Sparky” Seki Jr, Andrew Letander, Robert “Moe” Rushman, Korbin Brown. Honorary Pallbearers will be Laura Hedlund, Hanna Tollman, Bruce Chaffe, Kim Woodland, Jack Dez, Gary Thunder Sr, Ramona Nelson, Linda Perkins, Esther Spears, Cheryl Byers, Yoyo Spears, Alex & Sam Dow, Teresa Cloud, Maria Cloud, Flora Jones, Rosalie Hill, Janice Spears, Carol “Crackers” Spears, Mona Spears, Linda Zeller, Shirley Hardy, Dr. Gabriel, Dr. Tinsay, Dr. Borreommo, Dell Perkins, Dan & Wes Jourdain, Mike Needham, all her grandchildren, Comprehensive Health Services, Red Lake School Board, Wisdom Steps Board/Members, Red Lake Hospital Nursing Staff.  Burial will be at her home in Ponemah, MN. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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