Barbara Jean Hartigan

Barbara Jean Hartigan, 96

Barbara Jean Hartigan passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, at The Springs Living Community in Missoula, Montana.

 Barbara was born October 11, 1928, to Alvin A Tharp and Elsie B (Huffman) Tharp in Leo, Indiana. She grew up in Leo and married Richard C Hartigan on March 19, 1949, sharing more than 60 years together. He preceded her in death February 23, 2010, in addition to her brothers, Robert A Tharp of Leo, IN, Harry T Tharp of Fort Wayne, IN, and Donald E Tharp of Des Moines, IA.

 She is survived by four sons and a daughter; Robert M Hartigan of Miamisburg, OH, Richard A Hartigan of Charlottesville, VA, Timothy L Hartigan of Bluffton, IN, Jon K Hartigan of Farmersville, TX, and Marianne Melissa Hartigan of Missoula MT. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

 Barbara graduated from Leo High School and worked in Fort Wayne before getting married, then she and Dick Hartigan lived in Beloit, WI, Erie, PA, Fort Wayne, IN, Holland, MI, Wilburton, OK, and then Fort Smith, AR. They were lifelong members of the United Methodist Church in every community they lived. They served many through volunteer efforts, and made many friends wherever they lived. Barbara was a long time member of PEO and a friend to many.

 Barbara was a wonderful mother and grandmother to her family and was devoted to their well-being throughout her life. She adapted to many changes in life and technology with grace and understanding. In her later years she was content and injected humor into many conversations. She appreciated those around her and always sought to build up, thank, and appreciate those in her life. She taught her family to serve others through encouragement and example.

 There will be an interment service in Fort Smith at the First United Methodist Church columbarium on March 15, 2025. The family asks that memorials in lieu of flowers and gifts be sent to the First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith or The Springs Living Community in Missoula, MT.