Barbara Kay (Beers) Kirscher, 89 passed away from natural causes on May 25, 2016 in Townsend, Montana. Barbara was born in her grandmother’s bed in Judith Gap, Montana to Charles Leander and Mabel Arnegard Beers on Good Friday, April 15, 1927.
All Barbara’s life was directed by her faith and love of family and friends. She was a “joiner” from birth, compelled to participate in educational pursuits as well as community service throughout her years. Barbara graduated from Judith Gap High School in 1944 as Valedictorian of her class.
Barbara chose to attend Montana State College (now MSU) in Bozeman although her mother was a Montana State University (now U of M) alumni and several of her Dad’s family resided in Missoula. Her interests were both academic and extracurricular. She played trumpet in the marching band, traveling by train to perform before the Legislature in Helena. She used her flare for journalism with work on the Exponent and yearbooks. Barbara was a member of the freshman honorary Alpha Lambda Delta, Spurs the sophomore service club (serving as local president and editor of the national magazine), and Mortar Board—the Senior Honorary.
Barbara married Frederick Joseph Kirscher, WWII Army Air Corps Veteran, on July 27th, 1947 in Missoula, Montana and together they graduated from Montana State College (now MSU) in 1948, Barbara with highest honors.
For two years Joe and Barbara partnered with Joe’s sister Betty and Bill Zabel growing hay, grain, and sugar beets on the family farm along the Missouri River. Joe and Barbara lived in Townsend with baby Marie until the Zabels left. Anticipating the inundation of the “Lower ranch” by the new Canyon Ferry Dam, Joe and Barbara built a house on the “Upper Ranch” on Whaley Lane. Four other children (Jan, Keith, Kerry, and Vivianne) were born to them as they continued to operate the ranch until Joe’s death in 1973. Barbara was employed by the Selective Service Board and the Broadwater County Clerk of Court. Barbara continued to operate the ranch in partnership with son Keith and daughter Marie and Ken Romo until the winter of 1978 when she went to work with the Montana Department of Public Instruction as a secretary in the Indian Ed division. That next summer she accepted a position with Montana Health System Agency and moved to Sidney, Montana. Barbara served on the State Governing Board for MHSA. Later, as federal funds for health planning shrunk, she moved to Billings where she was responsible for the 14 South Central Counties in a half-time MHSA position. She was also employed by a branch office of the Montana Lung Association; these jobs were ideal for Barbara as she was able to combine her gifts for organization, communication, and leadership. She was proud of her role in establishing and directing Camp Huff and Puff, a camp for children with breathing problems. MHSA was phased out and Barbara continued working for the Lung Association until her retirement in the fall of 1989.
Barbara moved back to Townsend where she used her training to help form the Broadwater Community Health foundation. Barbara also served on the THS Board and the District Board until her health required her resignation in early 2016.
Barbara participated in a variety of community activities. She supported and contributed to school affairs including PTA, the 4-H program, and the Canton Valley Woman’s Club. Barbara served the Order of Eastern Star as Worthy Matron (twice), as Grand Representative several times, and in numerous state appointments. Her membership in Daughters of the Nile, as part of the Egyptian Oriental Band and her support of Shrine Hospital for Children was especially important to her. Barbara served four terms on the board of Live at the Civic and worked many years as a membership volunteer. She supported the Townsend United Methodist Church for 58 years, and was a charter member of the Trailhead Christian Fellowship—where her faith grew stronger. Barbara loved playing pinochle and bridge and was always ready for a game.
Some of Barbara’s most pleasurable and fulfilling activities had to do with travel—beginning with the KEEP project which took her to China, Japan, and Hawaii in 1975. Subsequently, she was able to visit Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Ireland, England, Greece, Egypt, the Panama Canal, and Mexico. Barbara enjoyed several trips to the Caribbean and numerous US locations including Alaska.
The love for her family was uppermost in Barbara’s thoughts, prayers and actions. She treasured each one and did not hesitate to give support for every dream and endeavor.
Barbara is survived by her children Marie (Ken) Romo, Keith (Robin) Kirscher, Vivianne (Audie) Anderson all of Townsend, Montana and Jan (Kim) Keltner of Terry, Montana; grandchildren Shane (Teresa) Romo of Townsend, Jodi (Nels) Hanson of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, Marty Keltner of Chicago, Illinois, Amy Kirscher of Helena, Montana, Shannon (Jamie) Meier of Columbus, Montana, Joe Kirscher of Watford City, North Dakota, Rosanna (Josh) Talbott of West Valley City, Utah and Cole (Kyndra) Anderson of Townsend, Montana; great grandchildren Mariah and Shanrea Romo, Annelise and Koen Hanson, Justin, Claytan, Haylee, Tanner, Jayden, Kymber, and Kaitlyn Meier, Torin Talbott, and James Anderson. Also surviving are her brother Charles L. M. Beers of Bozeman, Montana, sister-in-law Dorothy Kirscher Zimmerman of Sun City, Arizona and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents Lee and Mabel, her husband Joe Kirscher, sister Rosa Lee Lea, son Kerry Lynn Kirscher, and grandson Cameron Anderson.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church with Rev. Mike Dexter officiating. A reception will follow immediately after the service. Interment will follow at Deep Creek Cemetery.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Trailhead Sunday School Building Fund.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Barbara.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 3, 2016
Trailhead Christian Fellowship
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following Celebration of Life
Friday June 3, 2016
Fellowship hall of the church
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Friday June 3, 2016
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 3, 2016
Trailhead Christian Fellowship
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following Celebration of Life
Friday June 3, 2016
Fellowship hall of the church
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Friday June 3, 2016
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Jay kitt says
I was so privileged to have known Barb and I enjoyed playing pinochle with her. She always had a smile and kind personality.
Sharon Doig says
Barbara was one of a kind. She had so much energy and always with a smile.
Stephanie Rains Kaul says
Such a grand lady ! Because of Barbara this world is a better place to live. We need to thank God for those who “give and give and never quit giving. May you all find peace and the stories and memories sustain you all!
Dan and Brenda Hutchings says
We pray for the family so sorry for your loss Barbara was such a wonderful lady and will miss her deeply.
Barbara Hickey Cribb says
Sending warm positive thoughts to Barbara’s family.
Carol McGuire says
I have wonderful memories of working and sharing with Barb in Book Chat, Canton Valley Woman’s Club and lots of laughs and discussions on local issues. Yes in bridge club too!
Sending condolences to the family for peace and courage at this difficult time.
Bob and Elaine Graveley says
We are sending prayers for each member of Barbara’s family. She was a very special lady and admired by all. She will be missed. God bless each of you. Hold tight to your wonderful memories.
Lindsey Richtmyer says
Barb was a steady and welcome face in my class at the Train Station. She loved to push herself despite any physical challenges she faced. It was such a pleasure getting to know her and to watch her ongoing determination to be healthy and strong! She had a wonderful attitude toward life. I will be keeping her and the family in my thoughts and prayers.
JACKIE SORENSON says
Love and prayers to all Of Barb’s family. Barb was always so fun to visit with and so interested in life. She will be missed.
Clyde and anna says
Our thoughts and prayers for Barbara family she was a wonderful friend clyde and Anna
NM Hossfeld says
I loved her so much…what a Klassy lady.. always a smile and kind word.. She will so truly be missed. .
Bob, Gay Ann and Leo says
Barbara was a role model for me. She was very intelligent and up on everything. We will miss her so much. Book Chat won’t be the same. Our prayers are with you.
Mary Ellen Schnur says
Barbara has been a figure in our family’s life for over 58 years. Many happy memories of Mrs. Kirscher and our mother and other ladies of the Women’s Club taking on projects for betterment of the community. The McNulty kids and the Kirscher kids were commandeered by their mothers to help remove ancient books from the old library, for example. Many happy memories of 4-H days. And memories of all the heart Barbara put into the welfare of our community. She was truly one of God’s blessings to our community.
Kathy Sayer Large says
I adored Mrs. Kirscher. I met her as a Bible School Teacher. She was so kind, a patient, intelligent, wise woman. Someone said something unkind to me and she wouldn’t have any of that. i don’t even remember what this person said or being particularly bothered by it, but she stood for the good in everyone. God rest her beautiful soul as she is joyfuly reunited with her beloved husband, son and grandson. She will be missed and will live on my my heart and so many others.
My heart is with all of her family at this very sad time. She left a very proud legacy in you all, a fine family indeed.
Nancy Linnell says
Jan, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Renember the good times.
Pattijo sherwood says
Barbara is a woman I’m glad to have known. I had the privilege of worshiping with her. She was one of kindest women I’ve ever known and she always greeted with a smile. I offer my sincerest condolences to her family during this time of sadness. May God hold you tight as you say your goodbyes to her physical presence in your lives.
Alice Engen, P.G.M. says
Barbara was one special lady. I knew her through the Order of the Eastern Star. We worked together for many years and she always seemed to know the answer and was able to use her computer skills to help us. (even before many of us knew how to use one). Our time was not long in the length of time actually spent together, but our work across the state continued for many years. May she rest in peace and our condolences to all of her family.
Joy Novota says
Barb & I met each other many, MANY years ago when we were both chosen members of the Kellogg Foundation Program (KEEP). Our circles kept turning & intertwining, & we worked closely together for a very long time while I was the E.D. of Live! at the Civic & other group gatherings prior to that. She was always someone who was consistent, stable & secure in her beliefs & her devotion to the cause. May God’s blessings abound to her family as you deal with this final good-bye. Sympathies to all…
Tonna Strasko says
Barb, we will miss you at WW. We will miss your smiles also. God speed.
Chase Ragen says
It was an honor to serve with Barb on the Trustee Board for the church for a number of years. I will miss her warm smile and hugs. She deeply cared for her church and served her congregation with selfless service. God bless you Barb! Heaven is receiving an angel and she will be welcomed with open arms!
My deepest condolences to the Kirscher family. Barb will be missed.