Barbara Marie Francetich

On October 25, 2021 heaven gained an angel. Barbara Marie Francetich (Lee), 68, of Missoula, passed away at her home with her loving husband, Russell, by her side.
Born on August 15, 1953 in Brewster, Washington, to Robert “Bob” and Elizabeth “Betty” Rogers, Barbara was the oldest of three brothers (James, Frank, and Bruce). As a young girl she lived in multiple areas of California and Montana before the family settled permanently in Helena, Montana. She graduated from Havre High School and attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana, earning her degree in Medical Administration.
Barb was married to her first husband, John Griffin on November 16, 1975. On January 26, 1976 she became a widow when John passed away in vehicle accident. On July 26, 1976 she welcomed her first child and future hiking buddy, daughter Rachel.
She married Daniel Lee of Butte, Montana on August 26, 1978. Barb and Dan moved to Missoula, Montana and on May 21, 1982 they were blessed with the birth of their son, Joshua. The marriage to Dan lasted nearly 20 years before they parted ways.
She married Russell Francetich of Lolo, Montana on August 15, 2001. They lived in Lolo until 2019 before moving to Missoula to care for her Aunt Darlene Krantz-Mendler.
Barb spent her career working in the medical field in the Missoula area working at Community and St. Patrick hospitals, LC Staffing, Northern Rockies Orthopedics and ultimately retiring from Western Montana Clinic in 2020. She was actively involved in the Missoula community residing on the Missoula Symphony board and multiple prayer groups. In 2014, she traveled with friends to Europe and hiked the famous Mount Blanc in the Swiss Alps. A true seeker of adventure and the outdoors, Barb enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and the water. She was a master swimmer with Senior Olympic-qualifications.
Barb was LOVED by all who knew her for her kind, gentle and caring nature. She always provided for the needs of others before her own. Barb made her mark on this world by touching the lives of so many people. To know her was to LOVE her. She knew the Lord and was raised attending the Methodist Church in Helena and St. John the Baptist in Frenchtown where she shared her faith with her children. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Barb was survived by her loving husband, Russell Francetich; her children Joshua and Rachel; brothers Jim, Frank and Bruce; grandchildren Andrew, Hunter, Madison and Tanner; great grandchildren Sebastian and Stryder; step children Kane and Jamie; step grandchildren Zack, Rachel, Sage, Omni and Jade; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband.
A celebration of her life will be held at Missoula Church of the Nazarene,
2339 26th Ave, Missoula, MT 59804 on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 10:00 am with viewing at 9:00 am. A reception will follow at the church and the interment will be held after the reception in St. Ignatius at 2:30 pm. The service will be livestreamed at www.missoulanaz.org.
Flowers can be sent to Garden City Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Partners in Homecare Hospice or Krantz Memorial Cemetery.