Barbara Celeste Bellows (Essex) Johnson passed away in her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family in Grass Valley on July 20, 2023. She was 70 years young.

Barb was born on October 12, 1952, to Stephen and Bettie Poindexter Bellows in Miami, FL. She graduated from Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay, Florida in 1970.

Barb married John Essex in Maimi on November 16, 1974. In 1975 they relocated to Auburn with her parents and the family Arabian Ranch. Barb and John moved to Grass Valley where John built their family home. Together they had two daughters, Dawn and Megan Essex.

Barb married Steven Johnson on September 18, 1999, at Western Gateway Park in Penn Valley. They enjoyed their home, life, and friends in Penn Valley.

Barb was well known in the Penn Valley area having work at Amos’ Market, Joe’s Pizza, and True Value. She also volunteered with the Penn Valley Rodeo. Barb was also an amazing professional cake artist having created numerous wedding and all occasion cakes in Nevada County and the surrounding areas. Her cakes won blue ribbons at the Nevada County Fair.

Barb enjoyed traveling and following the NASCAR circuit with her husband Steve. She loved fast cars, fast boats and listening to Rod Stewart. She loved her family deeply.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Dawn (Francis) Tassone of Grass Valley and Megan Essex of Chico. Grandsons Francis and Joseph (Angela) Tassone and great-grandchildren Asher, Odin, and Rouge Tassone, all of Grass Valley. Sister Betsie Elwood of N. Carolina, brother Stan (Barbara) Bellows of Arizona. Aunt Ann Bellows Laurier of Washington, nephews and nieces including Steven, Anthony, Reyn, Anthony Jr., and Brooke.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Stephen and Bettie, brother Steven and husbands John Essex and Steven Johnson.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to Hospice of the Foothills in Grass Valley as they were instrumental in supporting her to pass away peacefully with respect, dignity and grace surrounded by her loving family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hooper & Weaver Mortuary.