Barbara Ruth Swentkofske, 74, Grand Rapids, MN died Saturday evening April 23, 2011 at Grand Itasca Hospital. Born June 18, 1936 in Eveleth, MN, Barb grew up in Grand Rapids, MN; graduating from Grand Rapids High School in 1954. She received the University of MN Certification in Dental Hygiene in 1957 and earned a BS in Public Health from Bemidji State University. Barb worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Hub Tofte and Dr. Byron Rowell in Grand Rapids, retiring in 1990. She has held various offices with, and was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and she enjoyed trips to the Boundary Waters with close friends and family, travelling the world with her husband, and supporting the exploits of her children and grandkids. Barb has the distinction of being both one of the first American Field Service (AFS) sisters in Grand Rapids (to a young lady from Finland), as well as being an AFS mother to the same young ladies daughter later on in life. She was a past President of the regional Council of Camp Fire Girls and a board member of Camp Blue Water. Barb believed strongly in strengthening the community and was an early organizer of The Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Barb was an active member in the local AAUW and PEO organizations right up until her death. Preceded in death by her mother, Taimi on 10/15/1993 and her father, Arthur on 11/12/1993, Barb is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 54 years, Thomas Swentkofske; three children, Janet (Peter) Sparen, Grand Rapids, Steve (June) Swentkofske, Cohasset, MN, and Julie (John) Wilharm, Apple Valley, MN; seven grandchildren: Katie Wilharm, Sara Wilharm, Sam Sparen, Henry Swentkofske, Jane Sparen, Gordon Swentkofske, and Lindsey Wilharm. Memorials preferred to Grand Rapids Community Presbyterian Church - youth scholarship fund. Memorial Service: 11:00 AM Thursday, April 28, 2011 in Community Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids. Reverend Kim Johnson will officiate. Reminisce with Family & Friends immediately following the memorial service in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements by Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 218-326-4000.