Barbara J Mac Arthur

Barbara J. Mac Arthur, 91, died surrounded by her loving family on November 13, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Living Center in Bismarck, ND. A military graveside service will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND, in summer of 2012. Barb was born in Schenectady, NY, on January 7, 1920. She was the daughter of Olive and Willis E. Clark, Wakefield, RI. Barb's father was a commercial fisherman and harbor pilot in Rhode Island close to Point Judith and Snug Harbor. Barb often spoke of the wonderful times she had growing up close to the ocean swimming and sailing in the sailboat her father built for her. Barb was a 1939 graduate of South Kingston High School in Wakefield, RI. She attended Posse School in Kendal Green, MA, where she received her degree in physical education. As a senior in 1942, Barb "Rusty" was given the coveted "Ideal Posse Girl" award. She entered and successfully completed her physical therapy training following college graduation. Barb began her PT career only a few months before marrying her patient, Lieutenant Roland G. "Flip" Dronberger on January 28, 1943, at Camp Blanding, FL. Theirs was a short marriage as he died in a military plane crash in August of that same year. Barb quickly decided to enter military service in the Army under civil service and later was commissioned a second lieutenant in the regular army medical corps. In 1943, during WWII, Barb was stationed in Chester England and oversaw the physical therapy department of the 129th General Hospital. Barbara finished active duty as a first lieutenant in 1946. On August 17, 1946, Barbara married Reverend James R. Mac Arthur in Ludlow, MA. Throughout their marriage, Barb continued her career in physical therapy at Mercy and Sheyenne Hospitals in Valley City, ND. The couple enjoyed a wonderful 53 year marriage until Jim's death in 2000. Barb loved to read. If she wasn't reading, she was knitting or experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Valley City and was active in Church Women United, World Day of Prayer, the Eastern Star, PEO, and was a co-founder of the Valley City Community Concert Series. Family and friends will remember her fiery red hair, boundless energy, and joy of laughter. Barb is survived by her daughter, Meg E. David Johnson, Georgetown, TX; son, James M. Mary Mac Arthur, Bismarck; grandchildren, Elizabeth Tomas Hunter, Gillette, WY, David Johnson, Bismarck, Matthew, Nicholas and Molly Mac Arthur, Bismarck. Barb was preceded in death by her husbands; her parents; and a twin sibling. Memorials can be sent to the Valley City Public Library, 410 Central Avenue North, Valley City, ND, 58072.

Barbara J Mac Arthur

January 7, 1920 - November 13, 2011