Barbara Jean Maus

– Barbara Jean Maus of Frenchtown passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017. She born May 24, 1953, in Valier, to George and Frances Gillette; the only girl in a house full of boys. She was raised and attended schools in Missoula and Plains, and graduated from the University of Montana. She worked for more than 40 years in the trucking industry, and made many friends over the years, and across the miles.

Her heart was her family, and she was their North Star. She became the matriarch after the passing of her own mother – the keeper of tales, birthdays and recipes.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Gary, Dean, Keith, Kenneth and David.

She is survived by her true love, Ron Maus, of Frenchtown. Over 30 years together and rarely apart, they were a shining example to their children of what love and hard work looks like. She is also survived by her children Heather (Matt) Thomas of Weiser, Idaho, and Matthew (Jessica) Reed of Missoula, Scott (Sarah) Maus of Watertown, Minnesota, and Sheila (Dale) Bartel of Deerwood, Minnesota. Also surviving are her grandkids, who she lived for and loved. She was Nana and they loved her so very much – Kyla, Bridger, Ashley, Brandon, Jaylan, Ryley, Carter, Andrew and Levi, as well as her great grandchildren Malakiah, Rohan, Ellie and Brodie. She is survived by her brother Robert (Mary) Gillette, special sisters-in-law Lise Gillette, Marie Gillette and Dot Davies, as well as the many Gillette kids and grandkids who she held in her heart.
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She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and friend, and her loss is immeasurable.

Per Barb's wishes there will not be a service. Cremation has taken place, and when spring comes again to Montana, the family will gather to spread her ashes in Plains.

Should friends desire, memorial donations may be sent in her name to the Humane Society of Western Montana (myhswm.org)