Emily Lynn Mohler, 42, and Piper Jocelyn Barge, 3
Emily Mohler and her daughter, Piper, share a happy moment in this photo provided by their family. Both were stabbed to death on June 30, 2020, by Mohler's estranged husband, Kameron Barge.
On June 30th of 2020, Emily Lynn Mohler, her lovely 3-year-old daughter, Piper Jocelyn Barge, and a dear friend, Cody Nevins, left this earthly realm in a tragic incident of domestic violence.
Emily is survived by her loving parents, Tom and Jan Mohler; her remaining children, Haakon Zander (Kenzie), Tully Zander, Isaiah Diafos, Marley Barge/Mohler, and Quinton Zander (Rebecca); her three brothers, Josh Mohler (Mandy), Isaac Mohler (Lexi), and Sam Mohler (Cora); as well many, many other friends and family.
Emily was born on Dec. 6, 1977, in Kalispell to Tom and Jan. Her older brother Josh was excited to have a sister in addition to two more brothers, Isaac and Sam, who arrived later on. At a young age she was very interested in horses and the outdoors. The latter being an indicator of the major influences throughout the rest of her life. She attended Bigfork High School, graduating in 1996. Always the athlete, she competed at the varsity level in nearly everything a small high school had to offer.
After graduation, she moved on to study photography, jewelry and goldsmithing at Flathead Valley Community College. She was an avid photographer who shot professionally in the area for nearly 20 years. For the past several years, she was a ski guide and photographer for Great Northern Powder Guides. In addition to her photography, she was a talented artist who created stunning jewelry found at many Montana artisan fairs.
Emily’s love of the outdoors permeated her very existence. She lived the life of the liberated, non-traditional mother, free from the constraints of others’ opinions. Whether hanging by the lake with her lovely children, skiing in the Montana backcountry or dancing to an indie band in Whitefish, she always brought her extraordinary energy and free spirit. Not one to sit back and watch, she dove headlong into every moment, every adventure, every inclination of her heart; she moved in rare air.
This tragedy of domestic violence also claimed the life of her youngest daughter, 3-year-old Piper. All of Emily’s children were the love of her life. Little Piper, the youngest, was an absolute beam of sunlight. Piper’s life was stolen before it had hardly begun.
The number of those affected by this tragic event is large; Emily’s sphere of influence was vast. This event painfully lingers with no end in sight. What will shine forever brighter, are the memories of our beloved sister and her little girl. She moves through all of us, her blue eyes radiating behind her eager smile.
Our hearts will be forever broken by this tragedy, and in that brokenness, we ask others feeling trapped in abusive relationships to know that they are not alone. Local and national domestic violence agencies can provide additional resources and offer safety planning and support to other brave souls attempting to leave the dangerous clutches of an abusive person. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233; Abbie Shelter (Local): 406-752-7273.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.