Barbara Joan Rase Hibbitts

Barbara was the first of two children born to Irving and Helen Rase in Wheelersburg, Ohio, on Oct. 2, 1933. After a lively childhood of acting more tomboy than girl, a boy by the name of Robert Hibbitts was invited to Barbara's 15th birthday party. Within a few years of "courting and sparking," Barbara married the love of her life on May 24, 1953. To this union, three boys were born to Bob and Barbara: Robert Timothy, Samuel Todd and Lance William. Although Barbara did not often show outward emotion, she loved her boys and thought the world of them.

Within five years of marriage and after the birth of two sons, the Hibbitts relocated to Wisconsin where they bought and operated the Wildcat Lodge in Boulder Junction. It was there her future sister-in-law worked for the summers during college, and later married Barbara's only brother, Jim. When they sold the lodge, she and Bob and their first two boys moved to Illinois, then to Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., where their third son was born. Barbara was mom first, but she was also den mother and volunteered at the YMCA as a swim instructor.

When their youngest turned 10, Barbara, Bob and Lance relocated to Missouri in hopes of less harsh winters. At that time, Tim had already graduated from college and stayed in Wisconsin, and Todd had started a family in Oregon. Barbara's first grandson, Vassar, was born in November of that year, 1976.

Because of Bob's health issues, it was necessary for the family to relocate again two years later to Cape Coral, Fla. As Bob was medically retired, Barbara worked some outside the home as an adult care provider as well as a realtor, and also volunteered at the Red Cross.

Over time, her children and their families lived in various places including Wisconsin, Georgia and eventually, Montana. In 2001, Barbara's first great-grandson, Tyler, was born in Wisconsin. In 2003, Barbara's second grandson, Jacob, was born, and in 2004, Barbara's only granddaughter, Emma, was born, both in Montana. In 2007, Barbara suffered a stroke while in Florida and it became apparent she and Bob needed to move closer to family. In March 2008, she and Bob relocated one last time to Montana.

We cannot express how grateful we are to have been integral parts of Barbara's life, even though it was for five short years. We were able to really get to know her and she was able to watch two of her grandchildren grow. We have laughed together, cried together, and by her words of wisdom, she has helped shape who we are today. All of Jacob and Emma's cousins adopted her as their grandma, too, and our hearts ache for the loss of her quiet words and her gentle touch.

Barbara spent her first night having supper with Jesus on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. She joined her son, Todd, and her first grandson, Vassar, there. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bob of Missoula; her sons Tim of Milwaukee and Lance (Debbie) of Missoula; as well as her daughter-in-law, Marian of Flowery Branch, Ga. She is also survived by her great-grandson, Tyler of Plover, Wis., and her grandchildren Jacob and Emma of Missoula. Barbara leaves her brother, Jim (Judy) Rase of El Paso, Texas; her nephew, Chris (Adalade) Rase of Michigan; and her brothers-in-law, Jim (Shirley) Hibbitts of Washington, D.C., and Don Hibbitts of Pittsburgh. She is survived also by her niece, Jennifer Hibbitts (Steve Montgomery) and nephew, Robert, both of San Francisco.

Cremation has taken place by Cremation &â�,��**Burial Society of the Rockies. A memorial service celebrating Barbara's life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, July 26, at Missoula Bible Church, 4455 Highway 10 W., with reception to follow.

Read Barbara Hibbitts's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.