Mary Opal Barta (Johnson)

MISSOULA – Mary Opal (Johnson) Barta, 88, passed away Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, in Missoula. She was born May 22, 1924, in Missoula to Lola M. (McKnight) Johnson and Palmer J. Johnson.

Mary served in the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) from 1944 to 1946 as a storekeeper second class. Later, she was the postmaster in Lolo for many years.

Mary married Robert J. Barta in 1947 and the couple had five children. They later divorced. She is preceded in death by daughters, Barbara Jean and Karla Ann. She is survived by sons, Richard (Deloris) of Stevensville and David (Vickie) of Aurora, Colo.; daughter Helen (Grady) Shaw of Fort Valley, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Cremation is under the care of Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula. At her request, no services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Humane Society in Mary's name. A special thanks from Mary's family goes to Sherri Wilson for all her help taking such loving care of Mom.

Read Mary Barta's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.