Barbara Ann (Bobi) “Marshall” Harris fell asleep in death surrounded by her family on Monday, May 6th, 2019.
Bobi was born on September 17th, 1956 to the late Stewart and Florence Marshall in Rahway, New Jersey, with a passion for living that she carried with her throughout her life.
Her family moved to Glen Ellyn, Illinois in 1968. As a teenager, she loved creating things with her hands and made extra money sewing bean bag animals and making candy and candles. Here is where she also met her husband, Darrell Harris, and they just celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary in March of this year.
The young couple started their new life in Denver, Colorado, where they welcomed two beautiful additions to the family, daughters Aimee and Dawn. From there, they made their way to Montana, then Florida, and back to Montana.
Bobi’s many talents for quilting, basket weaving, doll making, crocheting, pottery, cooking, embroidery, decorating, basically anything hand-made filled her life and home. You name it, she could either make it or teach it! Her precious hand-made artwork will be cherished by her family for years to come.
One of her biggest accomplishments was her book “Antler Baskets: Weaving Rocky Mountain Memories” and was published in 1989. She taught basket weaving classes all over the United States, and truly enjoyed everyone she met.
Bobi’s passion for history could be felt in the hundreds of tours she shared, and she loved working as a Historical Interpreter at the Montana State Capitol and the Original Governor’s Mansion. She was extremely proud of her participation in the current WWI exhibit at the Mansion. Adults and children alike took her tours multiple times and could always count on a good song and history lesson before they left. Her energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by all.
She has left her mark graciously throughout the Helena community, touching many lives in many ways. She donated and took care of the dollhouse at the Lewis and Clark library since 2009, was Vice President of the Helena Quilters Guild, a member of the American Quilt Study Group, founder of the Helena Basket Weavers Guild, member of the Cheap and Easy Doll Club, and was an active past member of the Original Governor’s Mansion Restoration Board.
Bobi especially loved entertaining her family and friends and serving her perfected Miserentino spaghetti sauce. You could bet she would give you one of her “life lessons” before you left. Her favorites were “Always have a plan B” and “Enjoy your life on earth, because you only get one chance!”
Bobi will be greatly missed by her husband Darrell, her mother in law, Leona Harris; daughters Aimee (Lee) Estell of Helena and Dawn Harris, grandchildren Michael (Kristi) Harris, Jessica Estell, Nicholas Fitzsimmons, Annalisa Brown, Kelsie Brown and adopted grandchild, Mckenzie Berry, and great-grandson Benjamin Harris, sisters Gwen (Ron) Knapp, Carol (Darwin) Hansen, brother Drew (Suzi) Marshall, sister Laura (Mike) Hogue, and her sister-in-law’s Donna (Mark) Gregus, and Diane Gray, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding Bobi in death were her parents, Stewart and Florence Marshall, and grandparents Frank and Florence Miserentino, and Jesse and Andrew Marshall.
A graveside service that is open to the public will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Forestvale Cemetery in Helena. A Celebration Tea Party honoring Bobi’s life will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11th in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Bobi are requested to her family or the funeral home in order to help assist with burial expenses. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bobi.
Service Schedule
Reception
12:00 p.m.
Saturday May 11, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Diane Jackson says
So sorry for the loss of this beautiful and most talented lady. Condolences to her family. Bobi will be so missed by so many.
Donna Paul says
5 Park Place
Donna Paul says
It is with a heavy heart that I express my condolences to the family that Bobi felt was the most important part of her life. She truly felt that her mission in life was to make her family her number one priority and she aced that in spades. Your memories will always bring back all the wonderful things she did for and with her family. Now that she is our newest angel remember she will encourage everything you do for the rest of your life. Peace be with all of you.
Connie Erickson says
I had the great privilege of knowing Bobi through my volunteer work at the MHS. She was kind, caring, funny, and unbelievably talented. She always had a smile on her face and something nice to say. I personally will miss seeing her at the Society. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. She will be missed.
Lenore M Adams says
Bobi was an amazing and talented lady who freely shared her knowledge and enthusiasm with everyone. She will be sorely missing in the Capitol building, where she shared her love of our grand building and the many stories she had learned and passed on to the tourists who were lucky enough to take one of her tours. She loved sharing with basket makers, quilters, and doll makers and taught so many of us helpful tricks and tips over the years. Bobi cared and shared and was a great lady. Even when she was sick and bedridden, she was telling me about ideas and plans for an exhibit that she had to celebrate pioneer women, their art, and quilts. She will be missed and remembered fondly.
Faith Franklin says
Bobi was an amazing lady. I had the pleasure to work with her at MHS and I will miss her spirit, her kindness, and her smile. She was someone who made people smile when she walked into a room because she was so kind, and thoughtful and because of that everyone loved her. I will miss her deeply and am completely heartbroken over her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Martha Kohl says
I learned so much from Bobi during the years we worked together. I’ll miss her bright smile, her generous spirit, her cookies (oh, that rugelach!), her enthusiasm, her energy, her love of history and of children, her remarkable artistry, her conversation, and her kind heart. In Jewish tradition, when someone dies, we say “May her memory be a blessing.” Bobi’s certainly will. My condolences to the family in this heart-breaking time.
Deb Mitchell says
Bobi was a very special lady, and I will greatly miss having her smiling face and quick wit in my office. Bobi told me in our years of working together that when she was younger, all she wanted was to marry the perfect man, have a family, and be a housewife, all of which she accomplished to the extreme. She constantly talked about her family and how proud she was of them, especially her grandchildren. Bobi was very generous with everything, especially her time, and I learned many of her “life lessons”. I am so grateful to have had Bobi in my life, as a colleague and good friend, and will miss her greatly. Condolences to Darrell, Aimee and Dawn, along with the rest of the family.
Lilee says
Dawn Marie & Family
I was very sorry to hear of your loss.
I wish you comfort in this time of grief and sadness.
Louanne Paternostro says
I am very Blessed to have known Bobi as a Dear Friend and Creative Companion! Her natural artistic talents for handmade treasures, her historical knowledge of domestic homelife, her focus on all things Beautiful this life has to offer and her pleasant personality will always be inspirations for me! God Bless you Bobi!
Jill Van Alstyne says
I met Bobi when we were in great need of a babysitter, and she graciously agreed to watch our son, Ted. In later years, I visited with her about various historical projects and goals. She was so full of life and ideas and compassion! She took me and my sons on a tour of the Governor’s Mansion one wintry day, brought history to life, and made a lasting memory for us. She had so much energy and so many ideas to help the youth of Helena! I will never understand why people like Bobi have to leave earth so early. Thinking of you, Bobi.
Jill Van Alstyne
Daysee Swant says
When I met Bobi, I knew her as a celebrity. I was so interested in everything she was talking about.
As we served together in the Quilter’s guild, I found myself jealous for her time and knowledge. I wanted Bobi all to myself. The very essence of Bobi was her ability to give herself to everyone. Needless to say, I had to get in line.
I feel blessed for the classes I did take from her. I’m thankful for the years I did get to have late night texts (rants). I’m angry she left us so soon. Lastly, I’m left with a great example of how a successful woman can impact this world for generations to come. (Hint: it starts at home)
Linda McCulloch says
I first met Bobi in Missoula when she taught a basket weaving class I took, almost 30 years ago. Then connected with her again in Helena when she was giving a tour of the Capital. Bobi was a wonderful person. I will miss her.
Just kembel says
Bobi was one of my dearest long time friend. I will miss her greatly. We spent many hours together with needle and thread. Bobi taught me a lot about hand stitching and we made little dolls all of cloth and a lot of hand work. We enjoyed each other’s company and had many cups of tea and girl talk. Bobi was always willing to help everyone in need. She was so very very talented and could draw the smallest details. I,m really sad this happened to her, it is very sad. Love you lots Bobi. Rest in peace
Rowena says
I feel that my family has been blessed in being able to get to know Bobi just a little. Always in awe of Bobi’s love of children and her ability to reach the them. Her talent with sewing, basket weaving, doll making and story telling. As others have mentioned a very talented woman. Her memory in our family will be handed down generations. My heart is heavy for the pain that the family is experiencing in her loss and in our prayers
Katie White says
Bobi was my co-worker for many years, which I am so thankful for. The day would start with her coming down the hall, and then when she saw you, she would say hi in a way that made you feel so special. Then we would discuss our outfits and how everything had to match! I loved Bobi’s stories, they were the best! We both joked with each other that we were born in the wrong era! She was such a care taker, gourmet cook, and artist extradionaire! No detail was ever left out! That woman did more things by 8:00 am than I could imagine. I was exhausted just by her telling me her day! I already miss her! I will cherish all my “Bobi items” she made me over the years. My thought and prayers go out to her family as I know you were all so adored by her!
Krys Holmes says
Bobi’s quilts, her dollhouse at the library (which included dolls representing many kids throughout Helena) and her presence at the Historical Society have all been a part of the fabric of the Helena community. What a lovely being. Thank you, Bobi, for sharing your life with us. And blessings on the family.
Marla says
I only met Bobi once, on a tour of the Original Governor’s Mansion in December, but I am so glad I had that chance! Her love of history and of people really resonated with me. I only wish I had met her long ago.
Betty Sikes says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Bobi to her family and the community. I admired her creativity in such a large scope of artful encounters. She will be missed.
Evelyn Sass says
Dear Bobi’s Family. Our Sincere condolences on the passing of Bobi. We appreciated all her expertise in restoration matters, her fun personality & the many hours she dedicated to so many causes in her life. Remembering her fondly, the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation Board members.
Susan Near says
We whose paths crossed Bobi’s were fortunate. Her passion for people and also for tradition was deep and sincere. Always caring and compassionate, Bobi was a great role model and teacher. I am so lucky to have had the pleasure to work with her at the MHS over many years and to have been the recipient of her wisdom.
Joyce Fries says
We met Bobi 1994ish. She babysat our daughter Hanna for a couple of years. I have never met a more talented person in my life! There was nothing she couldn’t make or wouldn’t try. I was always amazed by every new craft she was doing. We still have one of her coon skin caps and a beautiful horn basket she made. She blessed me with my 1st Yorkie-Bitsy whom we love for 15 years. She helped our daughter with her musical start at the piano too. Bobi blessed our family with so many wonderful memories. I am deeply saddened for her family in their loss.
Julia Harris says
I was deeply saddened to belatedly learn of Bobi’s passing, and thus missed her celebration. She had told me that she hoped for the Bobi Show”. Bobi and I shared many wonderful years giving tours together and hatching up new ideas for them. I don’t have the words to express the light that she is, as I have no doubt she’ll keep shining just in different ways.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Pam A. says
I will so miss Bobi! She was such a sharp, passionate woman with a dedication to history and handmade arts. I met her shortly after arriving in Helena 16 years ago and will always have fond memories of my interactions with her. Rest In Peace, sweetie.
Karen B Alexander says
Our deep condolences to all the family. We who met her for the first time at the AQSG seminar in 2018 were touched by her spirit and enthusiasm. We will all greatly miss the opportunity to have gotten to know her better at our 2019 seminar.
Ken Piet says
So sorry to come across this sad posting. I knew Barb and Darrell in high school (Glenbard East in Lombard, IL). Glad to see you had a good life though it was cut too short. My condolences.
michael wright says
I just purchased a beautiful antler split oak wall pocket she made in 1989.
Jessica Little/Sweeney says
I’m still missing you everyday. I’m remembering you on your day, so Happy birthday Bobi! There aren’t enough words to express how special and incredible you were to so many people. You were my best friend, stand-in mother, confidant, storyteller, tea-party hostess, teacher, craft instructor, musical inspiration, and caretaker. You will always be remembered and our times together cherished.