Barbara Ann Crebo (Bartlett) passed away very peacefully on May 9, 2014. She was the only child of John F. Bartlett and Ethel Mae Smith and was born in Chicago, Ill. on January 16, 1923. She spent most of her early years in Boone, Iowa and Escanaba, MI. She graduated from Western Michigan College of Education and Kalamazoo School of Occupational Therapy. For the past 57 years she lived in Helena, Montana, a state and city she loved. She felt blessed to have 3 sons; Kent Crebo (Michal Ann) resides in Helena and Bob Crebo (Les Wheeler) resides in Palm Springs, CA. Her youngest son, Duncan (Leni-Denver, CO), drowned in a boating accident on May 1, 1991. Barbara is also survived by her two grandchildren, Janelle Lowry (Mark) and Jason Crebo (Naemi and great granddaughter, Olivia). Over her life she had many dear friends with whom she loved to spend time; Cindy Logan, Janet Armstrong, Judy Johnson, Helen Vogel, and Joe Hrella, just to name a few.
Professionally, she worked in many hospital settings as an Occupational Therapist. After moving to Helena, she began working as an assistant for the State Office of Public Instruction. She eventually became the Supervisor for Health Occupations Education and was a tireless champion for Vocational Education throughout the state. She retired in February, 1985. She loved to learn, to teach and to help others. Barbara was active in many social charitable organizations in the state and Helena.
Barbara loved her home and her garden…spending hours tending to both…she loved her children, most of the time. She was fortunate to be able to travel after she retired; traveling to Europe, Peru, Africa and she loved spending time in Portland, OR, Hawaii, and Palm Springs. She was a staunch Democrat and loved spending time discussing politics; it was hard on her blood pressure. She loved her constant companions, Cai and Maddy, her beloved pets.
Barbara was fiercely independent and she hated growing old and everything associated with it…absolutely everything…The past several years have been especially challenging for her.
She will be missed by all that knew and loved her; she was a kind and generous soul who made a difference in the lived that she touched. May she rest in peace and tranquility.
At her request, no services will be held. Memorial contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to any charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Sue Parrett says
Kent and Michael –
I was so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing, I saw her all the time at Hair Hair and she was a very classy lady. My thought are with you – I hope your cherished memories of her help ease the pain of what you are going through at this time.
Sue, Michelle, Courtney and Stacey
Dee Smith says
Kent and Michal
I will remember Barb as a delightful, classy lady who cared for others in the midst of her own suffering. We had many good conversations, walks, and meals together on occasion plus shopping for plants for her yard which she loved so much. I will always remember the joy of doing her photo memory album as a gift to her family and how much it meant to her to pass on her memories and history. I will miss her. You are in my prayers.
Janet @ Dave Armstrong says
To Barb’s family,
I so enjoyed the time spent with your Mother. She was a very wonderful person. You are in out thoughts and prayers at this solemn time.
Janet and Dave Armstrong
Jane Howard says
To Barbara’s family,
When Barbara moved to Touchmark, my mom was pleased to hear her friend was to become her table mate. It was so nice for both of them to have that connection to their earlier lives when they both felt on top of their game, before growing old and before assisted living. Mom and I enjoyed surprising Barbara with different flavors of tea and watching her face light up when we hit on an especially favorable one.
Thanks, Bob, for your kind words regarding Mom’s passing this month. Now it’s my turn to reach out to you. Do I detect your sense of humor in this wonderful obituary? Doug and I ended up skating by the last few years in Mom’s obit. I love that you included them and stated so beautifully Barbara’s view on growing old. Mom considered meals with you especially enjoyable, Bob. You had a way of steering the conversation to topics that these grand ladies found fun and interesting.
Sally Beall says
Dear Kent and Michal and Bob
My thoughts are with you at this time. I had so many Grand conversations with Barb. She so loved her family and all your accomplishments. Your mom was such a woman of class and grace and looked to see the good in all. I have been blessed to know her, and her influence in my life has been something I will always take with me.
God’s peace to you ,
Sally
michael spurzem says
Kent and Bob,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Although I did not know her, knowing both of you, she must have been a pretty wonderful person. Wishing you peace and a lifetime of good memories.
michael
Doug Backeberg says
Kent &Michal,
I am very sorry to see that your mom passed, you guys will be in our thoughts at this time, we hope to see you soon,
Doug and Jane Backeberg
Steve Morgensen says
Kent and Bob,
I am sorry about the passing of your mom, Barb was a great lady and will be missed
Steve and Cindy Morgensen
Ned Herrin says
Kent and Bob
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have great memories growing up with your family!
Nelle says
A minute saved is a minute eadrne, and this saved hours!