Barbara Kaye Bennetts, 68

Barbara Kaye Bennetts, 68, died Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010, of ovarian cancer at her home in Elmo. She was born in Glendive and spent her first 53 years in Missoula, Helena, and the Flathead Valley, always near four generations of family. She graduated from Missoula schools, including the University of Montana. She succeeded in at least five different careers, including secretary, state legislator, fire lookout, real estate broker, federal employee, and Mom, during which she continually lobbied for women s rights, the environment, Montana s wild places and animals, and the underserved. For the last 30 years, Barbara was an active and grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-anon; in that capacity, her example doubtless saved many lives. To say that Barbara enjoyed the outdoors would be an understatement. She loved skiing, backpacking, canoeing, camping, bears and wolves. She also nurtured her organic garden in Elmo. Her grandchildren brought her endless joy. She passed her enthusiasm for all of these pursuits on to them, and they reflect her passion daily. She enjoyed a good adventure: she rode her bike around Flathead Lake as a young girl; skied several miles of the Bob Marshall in the winter; climbed many Montana peaks; canoed the Missouri repeatedly; survived hairy whitewater experiences; and patrolled ski areas. She even insisted on embarking on a five-day hike a few weeks before her death, only to make it one day in before having to turn back. She never stopped living to the fullest. Barbara also nurtured a life-long love of Native Americans. She worked through the federal government to extend grants to tribes from Alaska to Hawaii. She studied and enjoyed many books on Native Americans. And, finally, she built her modest home on the reservation in Elmo, where the people were very kind to her. She embarked on her next trip just as she wished: on her couch, facing Chief Cliff, holding the hands of both daughters, Bonnie Bennetts-Moul of Santa Monica, Calif., and Stacey Bennetts of Seattle, as well as her never-quite-ex-husband Charlie Bennetts of Woods Bay and Elmo. Her beloved grandchildren Zachariah Moul, Elijah Moul, Finnegan Carroll, and Bazyl Carroll carry her imprint in their souls. Barbara is also survived by her mother Catherine Hay, and her brother Ronald Hay, both of Missoula. Her father, Clarence Hay, and brothers, Doug and Steven preceded her in death. She leaves behind many wonderful friends and extended family. A private family burial was held at Natural Cemeteries, at 40060 Montana 83, Swan Lake. She is buried adjacent to Moose Meadow, nestled between two of her favorite hiking ranges, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Mission Mountain Wilderness. Even in her death she strove to be in harmony with nature in a cemetery where earth s natural process is used to recycle. For directions, call Natural Cemeteries at (406) 754-0136. Any donations may be made to the Garden of 1000 Buddahs in Arlee at ewanbuddhagarden.org. A summer celebration of Barbara s life will be held at her home in Elmo in July 2011. Contact the family if you would like to attend.