Barbara Banderob
Barbara Banderob passed away November 13, 2020, at St. Vincent’s Hospital, from complications of Covid, surrounded by her children. While on earth her life was full of faith, family, and friends.
Barbara’s life started on September 23, 1934, in Chicago, IL. She was the youngest of three children. Her mother, Anna Hurst, died in a car accident shortly before Barb was a year old, with her father, Thomas Hurst, being paralyzed from a stroke shortly after. Barb then came to Ekalaka to be cared for by various extended family members. In 1952, while living with her sister and helping care for her father, Barb graduated high school from Billings Central.
Barbara met her best friend, Arvin Banderob and on June 13, 1953 they were married. They moved to the family farm in 1960, where they raised their four children. Barb always promoted her children’s activities including 4-H, Girl Scouts, and sports by being a leader or a dedicated spectator. Next came all the activities of her grandchildren.
Barb liked harvest time on the farm. She cooked large noon meals, which many people that helped at the farm enjoyed. She was the “Gopher” that went to town to pick up parts for the farm equipment.
At the farm, Barb had an unofficial refuge for her beloved Canadian geese. Many a goose hunter had asked permission to hunt the flocks that surrounded her home, to find out it was not allowed.
Throughout the years Barb had many projects including sewing clothes, cross-stich, and quilts, until her eyesight would no longer allow. For over 60 years, she cherished the friendships with the members of the Sewing Club.
Barbara is survived by her four children: Terri (Randy) Gabel of Huntley, Connie (Dan) VanLuchene of Bozeman, Laurie (Kent) Rathe of Whitehall, and Scott (Dawn) Banderob of Great Falls; 10 grandchildren Trishia (Wendell) Hays, Rhonda (Clint) Torczon, Travis (Heather) Gabel, Kristopher (Sarah) VanLuchene, Kelly VanLuchene, Ryan (Emily) VanLuchene, Derrick Rathe, Lucas Banderob, Joshua Banderob and Noah Banderob; four step grandchildren, Anita (Eric) Grutsch, Zach (Jessica) Rathe, Liz (Adam) Clairmont and Andrew Aalers; three great-grandchildren; Wyatt Hayden, Bryce Hayden, and Arlee VanLuchene and five great step-grandchildren Isabella Grutsch, Maylee Clairmont, Alexander, Oliver and Eli Rathe.
Barbara is proceeded in death by her husband Arvin Banderob, her sister Mary Counts, her brother Thomas Hurst and her parents Thomas and Anna Hurst, and many other close extended family members.
Cremation has taken place and services will be held later when we can safely gather. The family suggests if you want to make memorials, they may be made to either St. Cyril and Methodius Church, Ballantine or Girl Scouts of America.
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