Barbara (Broeder) Byrd, 75

Barbara (Broeder) Byrd, 75, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2022, from cancer, with her husband of 49 years by her side. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Family was of the utmost importance to Barbara, and she felt fortunate that in the weeks leading up to her death she had the opportunity to see and say goodbye to her children, grandchildren, and her siblings and their spouses. Throughout her journey with cancer, she put up an incredible fight. Never backing down from a treatment opportunity, she maintained her positive attitude until the end.

Barbara was born the third child of seven to Gordon and Hazel Broeder on July 30, 1947, in Kalispell. She grew up in Creston where she attended grade school and made many lifelong friends. She graduated in 1965 from Flathead High School, then attended Pacific Lutheran University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree. Barbara taught elementary school in Helena for two years before her adventurous spirit led her and a grade school friend to move to San Francisco for work and travel. It was there she met Nathan Byrd, an Army soldier stationed at the Presidio. Upon his discharge from the Army, the couple moved to Fresno, California, where Nathan finished his college degree and Barbara worked as a substitute teacher. They were married on June 2, 1973, in Bakersfield, California, prior to moving to Cambria, California, where Nathan had taken a teaching assignment. While in Cambria the couple lived on, and were caretakers for, a private vacation ranch. Barbara had many fond memories of entertaining friends and family on the ranch with horseback riding, hiking and Jeep excursions.

In 1977, their son Zachary was born, and the young family made the decision to move to Montana in 1979 to be closer to her family. Barbara took pleasure and delight in her role as a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. Their daughter, Stacie, was born in 1981. Barbara was an attentive and supportive mother, who was involved in her children’s activities, everything from baseball to ballet. While her children were growing up, Barbara actively volunteered in their schools, the local library, and with her church, Northridge Lutheran. After her children were grown, Barbara returned to the field of education and worked in the developmental preschool at Edgerton School until her retirement in 2002.

In retirement, Barbara was very active. Whether golfing at Buffalo Hill Golf Course, boating on Flathead Lake, swimming, doing yoga, or walking, Barbara was always on the move and enjoying life. She and Nathan took numerous trips to visit family and friends, with notable adventures including a cross-country road trip and a two-month vacation to New Zealand. Travels also frequently took them to Bellingham, Washington, to visit their daughter and her family. Barbara’s best buddy was found in her granddaughter Noelle, with whom she shared a special bond.

Following her diagnosis with multiple myeloma in 2017, travel became limited to times between treatments, but Barbara still made the best of the situation. She looked forward to heading over to Washington to see her grandkids, including her grandson, Simon, who was born in 2018. With the additional diagnoses of ovarian cancer in 2021 and breast cancer in 2022, Barbara didn’t lose hope, but kept fighting for each day. She will be remembered as a loving, thoughtful, well-liked, and caring woman who had a great sense of humor, was an exceptional gift giver, and a grandma extraordinaire.

She is survived by her husband Nathan Byrd of Kalispell, son Zachary Byrd of Kalispell, daughter Stacie Erfle (Tim) of Bellingham, and her beloved grandchildren Noelle and Simon. Barb is also survived by her six siblings, Carol Seddon of St. Augustine, Florida, Gary Broeder (Karen) of Billings, Sandi Hall (Bill) of Bozeman, Diane Todd (Chip) of Butte, Dale Broeder (Janis) of Goodyear, Arizona, and Dave Broeder (Jude) of Kalispell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law Dick Seddon.

An immediate family viewing and memorial service was held at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home prior to Barbara’s cremation. No further services are planned at this time, however Barbara will continue to be loved and celebrated for many years to come by her friends and family.

Memorials can be made in Barbara’s name to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center at: Fred Hutch, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Mailstop J5-200, Seattle, WA 98109.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.