Barbara Ruth (Collier) Peterson, 70
Born on Dec. 16, 1935, in Kalispell, Barbara Peterson passed away Aug. 17, 2006. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Barbara will forever be in the hearts of the many who loved her. Her spirit, compassion, and deep love for the Lord will continue to inspire and uplift her friends and family forever. Adored by all of those around her, Barbara lived an exemplary life and her loss is greatly mourned.
Born to proud parents, Ruby and Leslie Collier, Barbara enjoyed a wonderful childhood along with her younger sister Garnette. Always interested in writing and art, Barbara excelled in these subjects as a student at Flathead High, winning many awards for her exceptional abilities.
In 1958, she married Jerald Peterson, and shortly after they welcomed their first daughter, Pamela. During the next decade, they had three more daughters, Janet, JoAnn and Connie. As a devoted and active homemaker, Barbara spent most of her time caring for her family. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and her family recalls her wonderful meals made for them on a daily basis. Barbara also had a strong faith in God, and became an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. With a deep faith in the Lord, Barbara turned to prayer in times of need.
Her husband Jerald, a certified public accountant, often had to transfer positions, so Barbara became accustomed to moving around the country. Having lived in Montana, Alaska, Idaho and California, she and her family eventually moved to Woodinville, Wash., in 1979, where she lived for the rest of her life. Shortly after their move, Barbara welcomed her first granddaughter, and since then has had the joy and privilege of having 10 grandchildren. Just as she was a giving mother, she was a wonderful grandmother as well. She loved making crafts for them, teaching them how to sew, and welcoming them to her home.
In her later years, she enjoyed sewing and decorating, as well as antique shopping with her daughters. An avid gardener, Barbara often spent weekends planting fruits and vegetables in her backyard. She also loved to travel, and had the honor and joy of taking two trips to China for the adoption of two grandchildren — experiences that had a great impact on her life.
Barbara's legacy will live on always in the minds and hearts of her family. Her sad loss follows a joyous, fulfilling life.
She is survived by many loved ones, including her husband, Jerald; daughters Pamela Harrington, Joann Czapiewski, Janet Peterson and Connie Moore; sister Garnette LaFrance; 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.
A graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kalispell.