Barbara Dubbs, 70
Barbara Dubbs, 70, "went to be with the Lord" on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006, as a result of complications from scleroderma.
Barbara was born in Deadwood, S.D., and moved to the Flathead Valley in 1961.
Barbara attended Black Hills Teachers' College and earned her Bachelor of Art degree in education from the University of Montana.
She was a loved and respected elementary teacher, beginning her career in Wyoming at age 19, then continuing in the Flathead Valley at Pine Grove, Birch Grove, Demersville, and Marion. She retired from teaching in 1989, but continued her active involvement with education through the Northwest Montana Retired Teachers Association where she served on the State Foundation board and also served as the local president, vice-president and membership chairman.
Barb was a compassionate, patient and loving woman who devoted much of her free time to helping others. She was recently honored as the 2006 Senior Health Care Volunteer of the Year by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. She has been a volunteer at Heritage Place since 1989 where she played the word game with the residents. She was a Literacy board volunteer member, and she also served on the Senior Center and RSVP boards.
Barbara's strong faith in God and gift with children was a shining example for all who knew her. She was a children's leader at BSF and also taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School at Northridge Heights Church of God for 30 years.
Barbara was an avid exerciser, walking and running in many local races along with participating in the Senior Olympics, always trying to beat her previous record. She was truly a running inspiration to her family and friends. She enjoyed the weekly exercise class at the Kalispell Senior Center. She always made time to run or walk with her family and friends.
Her life revolved around supporting and loving her children and grandchildren, while instilling in them her tremendous faith in God. She was always present at their sporting and academic events. She then extended that love to a special relationship with the three little Heil boys who cherished the time she devoted to them.
Special memories with her husband, Dick, friends and family include years of annual summer camping trips. She also enjoyed card games with her friends and grandchildren and working in her flower garden. Barb also had a special gift as a baker and treat maker; many will delight over memories of her homemade chicken soup, breads and baked goods.
There was so much to love and adore about Barbara, she gave so much to so many. "We will miss her sweet smile, her humble spirit, her enormous faith and generous giving of time and love."
She was preceded in death by her father, "Doc" Seeley and mother, Ruth Sylvester; sister, Doris; and son, Joel.
She is survived by her love of 28 years, Richard Dubbs; her daughter, Sheila, son-in-law, Doug Hill, and their children, Kari, Zachary and Melissa. She is also survived by eight stepchildren, Larry, Donnie, Ronnie, Harriet (Ann), Sharon, Linda, Bob and Steve; 11 stepgrandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren; also surviving are her aunt, Marjorie Koch, of Sundance, Wyo.; and her sister, Dorothy Fall, and family of Sheridan, Wyo.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at Epworth Methodist Church. Burial will follow at C.E Conrad Memorial Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Montana Retired Teachers Scholarship Association, 549 Kalispell Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937; or Rails to Trails of Northwestern Montana, P.O. Box 1103, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Barbara's family.