Barbara E. Richardson, 72

Barbara E. Richardson passed away on Aug. 27, 2009. She was born in Denver on April 30, 1937, to Eloise Garrard Howell Reitsch and Charles William Reitsch. The family lived in El Paso, Texas, and Salt Lake City prior to moving to Denver, where Barbara attended school, graduating from East High School.

She met Roger Paul Richardson from Great Falls while attending college at Montana State College. They were married in Denver on Dec. 28, 1957. Roger was in the Air Force so the couple lived in Tampa, Fla., where they had their first two children, and moved to Sacramento, Calif., where their third child was born.

Roger was sent to Vietnam in August 1966, and died there in March 1967.

In 1974, Barbara had a home built on Swan Lake, and it remains a cherished place in the thoughts and memories of her children.

She had a diverse range of jobs in Bigfork and Kalispell, and was active in numerous clubs, volunteer activities and community organizations. After her retirement, Barbara enjoyed traveling and learning, particularly with the Elderhostel program.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; brother, William Howell Reitsch; and her parents.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth; and sons, Russell and Charles. She has seven grandchildren, Jessica, Martha, Roger, Cameron, Rebecca, Olivia and Roger; and one great-granddaughter, Madeleine, born on Aug. 22, 2009.

Barbara was also blessed with an extraordinary number of friends who were very dear to her, and who provided her with much joy, strength and support throughout her life.

Cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, at Christ Church Episcopal in Kalispell.

Donations can be made to Kalispell Regional Medical Center or Glacier Symphony and Chorale.