On the afternoon of April 4, 2026, Barbara Ann Olsen (nee Raysby) slipped peacefully into Eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus, while being cared for by her precious family in the comfort and coziness of their home. She was born on June 20, 1954 to Myrtle Lorraine Raysby and David Raysby Sr. She lived most of her early life in northern Illinois, was a graduate of Round Lake High School, and spent her later years in southern Wisconsin.

She lived her life sincerely by walking with her Savior, exemplifying the Fruits of the Spirit and loving people without prejudice or judgment. She was the epitome of kindness and desired for all, especially her loved ones, to know Jesus’ unconditional love and forgiveness. If you were blessed to have met her for just a moment, you felt her compassion and the love of Christ.

Her greatest calling that she insisted on fulfilling during her last several years, even while living with a terminal diagnosis, was to care for her great grandchildren. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her so much joy and provided her the deepest sense of purpose. She was an amazing “Mom,” “Granny,” and “Great-Granny” and was loved deeply by all of them. Her absence will leave a gaping hole in their lives that no one can replace.

Barbara’s hands tended to the needs of her family, but they also extended to anyone who needed help or a loyal confidant. Her trustworthiness made her a mighty prayer warrior for her loved ones, her church family at Westosha Lakes Church and dear friends; in addition to the many people she would meet in passing. She ministered to others, even while in her own valleys. She carried a joy that ran deeper than any trial or tribulation she faced and always greeted everyone with her big, beautiful smile. The sweetness of her voice and the joy in her soul will forever be imprinted in the hearts and minds of all those that love her.

Barbara was always grateful in every circumstance of life. She always expressed her thankfulness for the smallest thoughtful gestures from others and counted them as a blessing. She had a gift for remembering special dates and always made others feel special by writing cards in her beautiful handwriting and sending an emoji filled text message to encourage and uplift others. Those thoughtful acts of reaching out will be deeply missed, along with the bright light she brought into the world.

She has gone ahead to meet up with her dear mother, as well as half-siblings and nephews that were dear to her. To her dismay, she had to depart much sooner than she hoped, but will be joyously awaiting the reunion with her loved ones when Heaven calls them Home.

Those she left behind include her husband James Olsen; son Robbie (Ashley) Robinson; and daughter Krystle (Colin) Toppel, as well as grandchildren, Dylan, Kyle, Kassidie, Kameron, Klayten, Kaleb, Klowie, Rachel, Tiffany and Adrian; and great grandchildren, Raegan, Remi, Maverick, and Oliver. Her step-children Shelly (Jimm) Rudy and Brent (Laura) Olsen; grandchildren Aubrey, Logan, Makayla, Nathan, Trey, Seamus, Sioban, Xavier, Grace, Dalton, and Ryne.

She is also survived by her siblings Keith Raysby; Lillian Payton; Craig Raysby; Arthur Raysby; Christine (Russell) Craig; Samuel Raysby; and Madeline (Duane) Blanton. She will also be deeply missed by a multitude of nephews and nieces whose lives were impacted by her tender love.

A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.  The funeral service will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 11:00am at the funeral chapel.  Interment will follow at Mound Prairie Cemetery in Twin Lakes, WI.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.