Barbara R. (Spencer) Foster, of Townsend, MT, passed away in her home surrounded by family on March 3rd, 2019. She was 91 years old.
Barbara was born on July 27, 1927, in Mountainair, New Mexico. Her early years were spent in the small, mining mountain town of Terrero, NM, located north of Santa Fe. Later, the family moved back to Mountainair, where she and her three sisters, Helen, Verna Nell and Patsy, and two brothers, Roy Jr. and Richard were raised by parents, Roy and Mabel Spencer. Roy worked for the railroad and later served as the local elected Judge, and owned and ran a small service station and grocery store. Mabel was a tall, beautiful artist from the Autry family in West Texas. Barbara’s father was an accomplished old-time fiddle player, and Barbara learned to play guitar at an early age, playing and singing the old songs along with her father. They played in the evenings for dances and on Sundays for church services.
Barbara, the consummate student, loved school and graduated Valedictorian of her class. There was no money in the family to send her to college, but fortunately, she was awarded a full-ride scholarship to attend college in Albuquerque. There, inspired by her high school English teacher, she majored in English, with the goal of becoming a school teacher. This was during WWII, and with a shortage of teachers nationwide, after just one year of college, Barbara qualified to receive an Emergency War Certificate to teach school. She accepted a job teaching in a nearby country school, teaching the first five grades. After five years of teaching there, she learned of a teacher shortage in Montana, a place to which she always dreamed of venturing. She applied for and was offered the job as teacher for the small, rural Winston School, where she would teach grades one through six. When she stepped off the Greyhound bus in Winston, with guitar in hand, she was greeted by School Board Chair, Agnes George, and moved quickly into the schoolhouse living quarters. Barbara was a special teacher who made all of her students feel and find their importance, and instantly understood their needs and what helped them to learn and enjoy school. Wherever Barbara taught, she incorporated her special musical gift of guitar and piano, teaching along with the standards, the old western songs that she learned while playing with her dad. While teaching at Winston, Barbara met a young, charismatic cowboy named, Jack Foster. She and Jack were married August 17, 1951, and four children followed, Joseph, Michael, James and Susan.
After taking off work a few years to raise her children, Barbara went back to work, first teaching two years in Toston, MT, and then the majority of her career teaching first grade in the Townsend elementary school. All of this time, Barbara was still working under her limited teaching certificate, so she began attending summer school at Western Montana College and graduated from college in 1968, the same year her oldest son, Joe graduated from the 8th grade! After thirty years of teaching, Barbara retired, but after the loss of her husband, Jack, in 1982, she went back to work, teaching several years in Clancy, MT, and finished out her 37-year teaching career in a private Christian school located in Belen, New Mexico. Again, Barbara retired, but not for long. In 1988, she decided to put her educational experience to work for the state and entered into politics, running for the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The first-time political candidate won the Republican primary, but lost to her opponent in a close general election.
Private business was something that Jack and Barbara successfully partnered in, including, owning and operating the Townsend A&W, and Foster Insurance. They purchased land on the flats from the Cook Ranch sale in 1971 and developed it into many of the home units and subdivisions seen today. After Jack’s death, Barbara continued on her own with help from her children to further develop subdivided tracts for housing and commercial business.
The next chapter in Barbara’s life was to pursue a lifelong dream of writing. Her son, Mike, who inherited his passion for English and writing from his mother, replaced her typewriter with a computer and after a several lessons, her writing career began. Over the years she had eight books published, and her last book was aptly titled, “Long, Long Trail.” Barbara’s books generally combine fiction with factual history, including elements of a love story, life struggles, heroism, patriotism, excitement, and always a beautiful, young, girl. The young girl seemingly patterned after herself or own beautiful daughter, Susan, who Barbara was immensely proud of. She varied somewhat from that writing style when she was commissioned by the family of a well-known southwestern artist, Freemont Ellis, to write his biography. Barbara accurately outlined the man’s successful life and accomplishments in the book, but did it with her special flair and touch.
Barbara was known not only for her excellence as a teacher, as an author, as a successful business person, and family matriarch, but was widely recognized for many other accomplishments. She, along with friends, Zella Hunter, Pauline Webb and Helen Bucy, started the Hospital Auxiliary in the early 1980’s to help raise money for the new hospital and its special projects. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Esther Chapter #3, and a 60-year member of the United Methodist Church, where she served on all committees, served as Superintendent of Christian Education, was an occasional substitute church service leader, and sang countless times, both as a soloist accompanied with her guitar, and in the church’s beloved choir, which she sang alongside her son, Jim. She will be remembered as the beautiful songstress singing and playing to countless audiences from Montana to New Mexico, singing songs both old and new, songs of the old west, of cowboys, of fair maidens, and of most importance to her, gospel songs and hymns of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She sang with the same passion that she lived her life, and wanted to be remembered as a person who lived her life, “With a song in her heart.” “Her song, is never ending.”
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Roger L. (Jack) Foster; parents, Roy and Mabel Spencer; sisters Dixie Jo Spencer, Patsy Allen, Verna Nell Whitehead; brother, Roy Spencer Jr; and son-in-law Greg Ames. She is survived by her sister, Helen Spivey and husband Joe of Snyder, TX; brother, Richard Spencer and wife Bonnie of Mountainair, NM; brother-in-law Bob Allen of Friendswood, TX and sister-in-law Lula Spencer of Mountainair, NM; children, Joe Foster and wife Victoria of Montana City, Mike Foster and wife Mary of Bozeman, Jim Foster and wife Sharon of Townsend, and Susan Ames of Helena. Grandchildren, Jaclyn Haven and husband Bryan, Steven Foster, Lacey Mattson and husband Carl, Brad Foster, Sean Foster, Jack Foster and wife Demaris, Bob Foster, Patrice Grzebielski and husband Kevin, Brian Foster, Mike Olsen and wife Stacey, Nick Olsen, Rochael Vogt and husband Cory, Teddi Foster, Lance Ames and wife Jennifer, David Ames and wife Gabriella, Ashley Dalton and husband Tony, and Nicole Ames. Great Grandchildren, Jack Haven; Nolan, Evan and Landon Mattson; Orlando, Yahaira and Amaris Foster, Patrick, Logan, Tristan, and Adalynn Olsen, Miya Olsen, Conner Vogt and Paislee Foster; Alivia, Blake, Carissa and Seth Ames, and Dallin Dalton. Great-great grandchildren Jowell and Jetxiel. Barbara also had numerous nieces and nephews and their families who were all so loved and very special to her.
Viewing will be from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7th at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway in Townsend. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8th at the United Methodist Church, 200 N. Cedar Street in Townsend. A graveside service will follow the service at Deep Creek Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service in the fellowship hall of the church.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 7, 2019
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 8, 2019
United Methodist Church
200 N. Cedar Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Friday March 8, 2019
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday March 8, 2019
United Methodist Church
200 N. Cedar Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 7, 2019
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 8, 2019
United Methodist Church
200 N. Cedar Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Friday March 8, 2019
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday March 8, 2019
United Methodist Church
200 N. Cedar Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Steve and Jean Sautter says
We are so sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. She was one of the many Mom’s we all shared as children. To the Foster family we offer our condolences hopes for solace in the coming days.
Marg Jappe says
Family of Barbara Foster:
An angel has left this earth to move on with her next journey. When I was young, growing up in Townsend i thought she was the most beautiful person I had ever seen or knew. A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. We send our condolences to each of you during this trying time. Losing a loved one is difficult. .
Gary & Susan(Sautter) Ritter says
Our condolences are with all of you at this difficult time. Barbara was a wonderful teacher, singer & role model. She always had a loving smile. She dedicated her life to God, Family & the Townsend community. She will always be in our 💟.
Dick and Sharlene Lucas says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness..I am very happy to have known Barbara. She was a remarkable lady.
Joe and Leslie Helmick Owen says
Barbara was beautiful both inside and out. I was one of her lucky students; a year I remember fondly. My most heartfelt condolences to the Foster family.
Wade and Shari Toney says
Wade Toney thought the world of her . God Bless 🙏
Judi Taylor says
Barbara was one of the most wonderful ladies I have ever met. She was across from me at the Broadwater County fair for years and we bartered a lot, talked a lot, laughed a lot and she gave the best hugs. I just love this lady and I will miss her so very much. Rest in peace beautiful lady. God Bless you and your family.
Margaret Erickson says
I am so very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Barbara well but what I knew I just loved.
Barbara was a very caring lady. Always a lady in everything that she did. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. My boys didn’t have the privilege of having Barbara as a teacher. Mothers of children that did have her said “Barbara Foster is the absolute Best 1st grade teacher. A first grade teacher could make or break a student but all of Barbara’s students advanced and did exceptionally well.” I had always wished that my boys would have had the opportunity of first grade with Barbara. We just should have moved back to Townsend sooner. God Bless you Barbara. Your can rest easily knowing you have live an exemplary life.
Terri Foster-Hayes says
Dear cousins, we were so sorry to hear of Aunt Barbara passing. I wish we could be there in Montana and see you all. I’m so thankful that I got to see her and hear her sing at the wedding reception of her beautiful grandchild Jacquline a few years ago. We danced together and had such fun, even caught the bouquet together. She was always so young at heart. I am so saddened of another great woman passing who’s never going to be forgotten, she touched so many lives. Our love to you all. Love, Terri and Chris, Chauncey, Brandon, Devon, and Weston.
Sherry Scoffield says
To All Our Dear Foster Friends,
We are saddened by the passing of our dear friend and one of my Mother’s closest friends. They loved each other and I’m sure they have renewed their friendship. We are especially sorry that we are not there to support you and offer our sympathy in person. I have a handwritten letter from Barbara at the end of the school year for one of our children. It was beautifully written and a treasure for us. She was about as talented and versatile a woman I know and always busy with something good! Our prayers of comfort are with you. Keep singing Fosters – that would make her the happiest! Sherry & Ward
Laura M Nagel says
She was one of those outstanding women that we we so very fortunate to know. She had a kind heart and a brilliant mind. I am so very grateful for the three books she autographed for me, one day as we sat at her dining room table. I real joy to know.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Laura & Grant Nagel
Denise Moudree says
Oh how I loved Mrs. Foster! She taught me first grade in Toston. She was such a beautiful, vibrant soul who REALLY lived her life. Site was such an inspiration. She and Mother were together in Eastern Star.
My condolences to you all as you celebrate her amazing life and grieve her passing.
Ivy Sue Spencer says
I say goodbye to my dear Aunt Barbara, who always showed me kindness and encouragement. My two sons were lucky enough to have known her, and experienced the same kindness and encouragement from her. I’m proud to be related to such a strong and accomplished woman. I wish my cousins and their families my sympathies.
Gayle Clark Ross says
Barbara touched a lot of lives including mine. I will always remember what a wonderful kind and inspirational person she was! May you all find peace in your memories as she lives on in your hearts. My condolences and prayers go out to the Foster family. May God Bless you all.
Coleene Helmick Rychalski says
Mrs. Foster was my first grade teacher too. I adored her. I can still remember reciting the pledge of allegiance each morning. Afterwards she always sang “America”. That song has always reminded me of her. My thoughts and prayers are with Foster family. Coleene
Bryan Flynn says
My sympathies to Joe, Mike, Jim, and Susan. I wish you comfort in knowing that your Mom was such a great example for and leaves a legacy of devotion to her family, faith, and community. Bryan Flynn
Amerilis Foster says
Words can’t express the sadness felt when I heard the news of Barbara’s passing. It has been a pleasure to have such a wonderful sister-in-law. So many good times spent together with our families. Even though we have not had the pleasure of seeing easy other for some years a great loss is felt.
So sorry I was not able to attend the services, but my condolences and thoughts are with each of you.
Rebecca Brockway says
So sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful woman. Mrs Barbara Foster was my first grade teacher and the person that introduced me to the beauty of words. I will be forever grateful for her influence on my life. To Joe, Mike, Susie and Jim, I pray that you find comfort and knowing that your mom was truly loved by so many. May the days and years following bring you Joy.
Kevin & Charlene Walker says
I had Mrs. Foster as my 2nd grade teacher in Townsend in 1964 and remember her fondly. She was a wonderful teacher. I also remember the guitar!
God bless the Foster family during the loss of their dear mother.
Kevin Walker
Trudi B Downer says
I didn’t have Barbara as a teacher, but she and my Aunt Helen Bucy were special mentors as I pursued my own career in education. She mentored me in my faith at Church and through her help as I learned guitar and piano. I’ll always treasure memories of times spent discussing her books and education. Her smile always warmed my heart and even across the room made me feel special. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
LuAnn Heppner says
I had Mrs Foster as a teacher in Clancy. She was such a loving, beautiful person. She gave us special Ed kids things to think about. She showed us love and compassion even to those boys that struggled at home. She took us to Townsend one time for a field trip on a Saturday. Its been so long I don’t remember what we did but I remember how wonderful she was. Im not sure why I thought of here but I remembered her name was Foster
I had to search the rest. I pray maybe I will see her in heaven one day.