Barbara Weaver, 56, of Helena, MT. passed away on February 18, 2011 at her home in Helena after a ten year battle with ovarian cancer.
She was born in Portland, OR. on January 26, 1955 to Dr. Robert C. Pepper and Grace Bingham Pepper. She grew up in beautiful Lake Oswego, OR. where her father practiced optometry. Her mother was the ideal stay at home mom. Barbara often told people that she had a “ Leave It To Beaver” childhood.
She graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 1973 and Oregon College of Education in 1977. She taught middle school for the West Linn School district in Willamette and Wilsonville, Oregon. Her first classroom happened to be the same classroom that her grandmother had taught in.
Barbara married in 1978 and had a daughter Shaye in 1981. She divorced soon after. She met Ron Weaver when she transferred to a new middle school the district had recently built. Ron was the school counselor and Barbara was a 6th grade teacher. They married and moved to Helena in 1984 where Ron worked for Great Divide Education Services which operated out of Deer Lodge, MT. Barbara worked in the home oxygen field until unable to work because of the cancer.
She loved to spend time reading and scrap booking. Her goal was to make sure each grandchild had a wonderful scrapbook showing their lives up to their present ages.
Barbara is preceded in death by both her maternal and paternal grandparents and by both her father-in-law and mother-in-law. She is survived by her husband Ron of Helena, parents Robert and Grace Pepper of Lake Oswego, OR., brother Bradley (Kim) also of Lake Oswego, sister-in-law Sharon (Bill), Weaver-Knowles of Missoula, daughter Shaye Moon (Aaron) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, step daughter Jill Martin (Shane) of Helena, step son Kevin Weaver (Leah) of Helena, and step son Mark Weaver (Rosie) of Downers Grove, Illinois. Barbara also is survived by her six grandchildren: Kiefer, Tyler, and Kelsey Martin of Helena, Kasey Weaver of Downers Grove, Illinois, Justin Moon of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Lauren Weaver of Helena. Barbara also left behind her brother’s children Nick and Natalie Pepper of Lake Oswego, OR,. Barbara is also survived by her Aunts, Uncles and cousins whom she loved very much, and many friends whom she loved, and in turn loved her.
Cremation has taken place, and her ashes have been placed in a container crafted by Ron and Jeanne Moon. A memorial will take place in her honor 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 23 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. A reception will be held in the social center of the church immediately following the memorial service. Interment will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family wishes to offer their sincere gratitude to Dr. Weiner, all of the wonderful oncology nurses and their support staff of the Cancer Center of St. Peter’s. The family also offers a big thanks to the staff of Frontier Home Health and Hospice and the staff of Home Ox for their outstanding support.
The family suggested memorials in Barbara’s name to Frontier Hospice 800 Front Street Helena, Montana 59601 or to Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Building Fund 1400 Stuart Avenue Helena, Montana 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Amy Jensen says
I am so sorry for your family and know how much Barb will be missed by all of you.
Sincerely,
Amy Jensen
Brandon Moon says
Sending love and prayers from Las Vegas in these times of sorrow. Brandon, Michele, Hayden and Ashtyn
Karen Midtlyng says
Dear Shaye:
Norm and I and all of our family keep you and your family in our prayers at this time of loss. Barb was such a warm and caring person and we know that all the memories she created for you will carry you through.
The Midtlyng family
Kari Hoscheid says
Ron and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We just want you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to ask. Galen staff, Kari, Dan, Sara, and Casey
Linda Minkoff says
Ron and Family, Barb and I met each other, which turned out to be our first chemo treatment, 10 years ago. We were on the same chemo cycle for quite a while so it was really nice to have become friends with Barb. She was a blessing to me in many many ways. I pray our Father will grant you peace and joy in the loving memories I’m sure you will have in the days to come. God Bless you and Make His Face to Shine upon you. Linda Minkoff, Denver, CO
Rick and Anita Moon says
Barb was an amazing woman. She was never afraid to face the challenges of her disease and I never once heard her complain or say “Why me?” She will live on as an inspiration to all of us. She was lucky to have the support of her family who never faltered. Bless you all.
Shaye says
I love you so much momma. I am so blessed to be your daughter. I know you will always be with me.
Love,
Shaye
Shaye says
Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. Our family appreciates it very much.
Susan Brunner says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and extend our deep and heartfelt sympathy. Barb was a fine person and her goodness will live on through all of you. Susan and Bret Brunner
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Ron,
We are real sorry for your loss. Barb was a wonderful gal, lots of fun and always so positive with a good attitude inspite of all she had going on in her life. I know you will miss her. Please know we are thinking of you at a very difficult time.
Me says
SHE WAS MY GRANDMA
Cora Mae Ofstie says
Ron & Shaye. Bob & I just learned tonight of Barbs death 11 years ago! We are saddened, Barb was a bright light & a friend from our days of Teaching at Willamette School in West Linn. She was often the hostess at our Poetry Breakfasts. We didn’t remember you had moved to Helena.
Love, Cor Mae & Robert Ofstie