In the early morning of May 5, 2014, Barb passed away in her sleep after a lengthy illness. Barb was 68 years old. Barb was born in Townsend to Junior and Jean Lewis, December 11, 1945. She grew up in the Crow Creek Valley at the family ranch outside of Toston. She met Bill Strong and they were married July 16, 1966. Barb and Bill moved to Helena and finally ended up settling down in East Helena to raise a family. Barb worked for the school district in East Helena for 32 years as a Paraprofessional. Barb enjoyed going on rides and playing the machines. Barb was blessed with twin boys on August 11, 1971.
She is survived by her husband Bill, sons Tom (Cheri) of Helena and Willy (Tricia) of Great Falls, sisters Shirley (Gordon) Sanderson, and Sharon Lewis, two grandchildren, Brenna and Cole of Great Falls, and several nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends Roy and Kay Hickman.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Junior and Jean, and brother Mike Lewis.
A Celebration of Barb’s life will be held at the VFW in East Helena, Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 1:30pm.
Memorials in Barb’s name can be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s or organization of donor’s choice.
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Tom Filcher says
Barb was such a loving person and the best neighbor you could ask for. We well miss her!
Tom & Carol Filcher
Sharon Meyer says
Barb’s Family:
Please know that I am thinking about you all at this difficult time. I have known Barb for many years, her and I went to school together and remained friends all these years. I have very fond memories of our time together and will greatly miss her. She was always so bubbly and happy. Her family was her everything. Keep her memories close by and she will always be with you.
Bless you my friend I will miss you.
With Love,
Sharon Meyer
Susan Sabol says
I was so saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. We worked togeather at Main Street School years ago and had a lot of fun and laughs!
Della Dobbins says
Barb, was a beautiful lady! She always had a smiling face and was so kind to my childern Eddy, Cassie & Brandie at Radley School. I loved when she and her husband would come out and visit me at the “Good Old Winston Bar”. We will miss her so much. Love Della.
Tara Steinke says
Thinking of your family during this difficult time – Barb was truly a remarkable lady. She always watched out for us in the neighborhood, there was not much she missed :). She treated our girls like her own, always welcoming them in her home for a visit. Barb truly was one of a kind and we are forever grateful to have known such a warm and caring soul.
Love,
Tara & Casey Steinke
Jim and Donna Owens says
Lit a candle in memory of Barbara “Barb” Lucille Strong
Jim and Donna Owens says
Tom and Willy we’re holding you and your family close to our hearts. A remarkable woman Barb was, her beautiful smile and twinkle in her eyes will be missed! Rest in Peace Barb!
Marlene Longfellow says
Bill, and Tom and Willie, sorry to read of Barb’s passing, you are in my thoughts and prayers, remember all our good times in Jaycees. May God be with you.
Shauna Longmire says
Tom & Will, I am so sorry for your loss of both your Mom and your Dad. I remember going to homecoming with you Tom and how excited your Dad was to be the “chauffer” for the night! He was so funny and I think even more excited than you and I. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. May God’s hand comfort and guide you throught this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Shauna Longmire
Don Pratt says
Bill and family. Iwas so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. My Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sorry I wont be able to attend the memorial on Sat as I will be out of town but my thoughts will be with you. Will remember the good times in the Jaycees.
Don Pratt
Bobbie Scott says
Tom & Willie
I’m so sorry for the loss of your parents I have known the Strong family since Willie and Tom were my paper boys years ago. Both of my sons attended school in East Helena and thought your mom was great. Later I began to work for the East Helena Schools and had the pleasure of working with Barb. What a great lady, so sweet and kind to everyone.I loved her laugh.
Your parents were such a great couple. So friendly always willing to stop and visit. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bobbie Scott
Carol L. Smith says
We send our condolences to the family. I met Barb when my husband and I ran racehorses and he jockeyed. He worked with Bill and in the summertime Bill and Barb would come to the horse races. In 1990 when we came back to Helena and I went to work as a teacher in East Helena I was so pleased to see Barb. She was such a wonderful person and we kept in touch until she retired.
Carol and R.D. Smith
Carol E. Bonner says
Lit a candle in memory of Barbara “Barb” Lucille Strong
Sharon Lewis says
Lit a candle in memory of Barbara “Barb” Lucille Strong
Carol E. Bonner says
Tom & Will,
Your Mom & I worked together many, many years ago at the East Helena Grade School. I will always remember her vivacious personality, ready smile & pride in her wrestling twins!
Please know I am thinking of you.
Hugs,
Carol Bonner