Barbara Joan Kelley Gallagher passed away in her husband’s arms on November, 29, 2020 after a wrenching three-week battle with COVID-19. She was born on August 9, 1949 in Santa Clara, CA to John and Elaine (Modine) Kelley. She described her upbringing as “idyllic”, surrounded by family, friends, and lots of love.
After graduating from high school, she moved to Seattle, WA where she attended Seattle Pacific College and began a teaching career. After several moves, including a year teaching high school as a missionary in Unalakleet, AK, she returned to Seattle. There she discovered her passion for teaching GED preparation to students who didn’t thrive in traditional school. Barbara dedicated her teaching career to coming alongside those who were struggling to find a way to help them succeed.
She moved to Kalispell, MT in 1987. She discovered there were laws preventing her from continuing the teaching approach she believed in. In true Barbara fashion, she went to the capital and successfully lobbied to change them. She then found private funding to create the Education Recovery Foundation, Inc., where she was able to help a new generation of students achieve their goals.
A quiet but skillful leader, Barbara served on the Kalispell CIty Council in the 1990’s. She was committed to working with her colleagues, regardless of political beliefs, to improve the lives of the entire community. She was active in the creation of peer court, a justice program for young people struggling with the law. She served on the boards of multiple human services agencies.
It was during her time on the Kalispell City Council that she met her beloved husband Lawrence Gallagher. They were drawn together by their shared passion for community development and service and their support for one another as they were healing from difficult times in their lives. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1997 and eventually moved to Larry’s native Helena where Barbara continued to be active in the local community. She was involved in multiple ministries through Life Covenant Church. She and Larry volunteered at Helena Food Share and Barbara also supported the Florence Crittenton Home. Their home was filled with family, friends, laughter, and love.
Upon moving to the Touchmark retirement community in 2018, she served on their residents’ committees. In the past few years, she has also been active in community education about Alzheimer’s Disease and mental illness. She was generous with her time and talents, always willing to provide any assistance she could to those around her.
Barbara loved her family fiercely, whether they arrived through birth, marriage, adoption, or deep friendship. She was especially devoted to her children and grandchildren. Her faith in Christ was foundational to her life, providing a solid footing when times were hard. A good listener, she treated everyone she met with dignity and respect. Barbara was able to balance deep compassion for others with an ability to see the humor in almost any situation. In 2003 Barbara survived a serious car accident and showed grace and grit as she worked to recover.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Larry; children Kristen (Travis) Moses-Westphal of Middletown, NY; Lara (Kenneth Churcher) Moses of Christchurch, New Zealand; Jonathan Moses of Eugene, OR; step-children Lawrence Gallagher, Jr. of Portland, OR; Lesley (Mike) Gallagher-Tolon of Helena, MT; and Theresa (Harlan) Davis of Helena, MT. Her grandchildren Sean Tippin; Erin (Kyle Sayler), Cassie, and Hannah Davis; Lymene, Malik, and Elias Moses-Westphal. She is also survived by her siblings Kathleen (Duane) Quait, of Turlock, CA; David (Claudia) Kelley, of Seattle, WA; and Ann Kelley of Seattle, WA; nieces Sara Quait and Christy Quait-Ohlson; along with many Gallagher in-laws. She is also survived by her best chum, Connie Buchanan, of Helena, MT.
The family is very grateful to the entire care team at St. Peter’s Hospital for their expert and compassionate care of Barbara.
A private family service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 4th at Life Covenant Church. If you’d like to attend virtually you may contact the church at (406) 442-6813 or lynnette@lifecchelena.org for instructions on how to connect. Memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to Helena Food Share or the Florence Crittenton Home.
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.
Michele Faure says
Gallagher Family,
I am so sorry for you loss. My families thoughts and prayers are with you all as you navigate through this sad time.
Mishell Forbes says
So sorry for your loss. Barb was such a bright light and joy…..with just a little sass. She will be missed.
Lara J Moses says
My mother was the most wonderful person in the world and I loved her so much.
Rosie Smith says
Lara,
You and your mom literally saved my life in high school by taking me in. I don’t know what would have happened if I had stayed in that situation. The joy and love you both gave so freely changed me in so many ways, and I can never express how grateful I am for both of you. I still cannot believe she is gone. I will remember her laugh forever…and her sense of humor. She was so clever and really knew how to make a stranger feel like they had been family their whole life. The kindness….the joy….the laughs….the world needs more people like her, especially now. She was a light like no other and will be missed so much! I wish I could comfort you like you guys comforted me when my grandmother passed that summer. Love you so much! Give the rest of the family my love too!
Michelle Van Nice says
Larry and family – So very sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed visiting with Larry and Barbara when I was up to Touchmark visiting my Mom or seeing them in church. Barbara always stopped to say hello and ask how I was doing. She was such a caring and wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers to all.
Leah Gray says
I met Barbara shortly after I became friends with her daughter, Lara. That was way back in the seventh grade. Barbara was always kind, always encouraging, & often silly. She was like my other mom for a long time. I got to attend her wedding to Larry. I took an SAT prep course she taught. When college visit time rolled around, Barbara, Lara, my mom, & I went together. She sent me cookies & checked on me during the semester Lara spent abroad. I always felt welcome in her home & that she truly cared about me. I will always have love & respect for her.
Monique says
The light Barbara shined in this world will never dim. Her love, drive and passion and faith are present in all she touched in her beautiful life.
Barbara and Bill Burton. says
Gallagher family, Bill and I sent our love and prayers. We are so sad to hear of your loss and the loss of such a wonderful soul. I recall Barbara bringing clothes and gifts for clients and babies when I was the Executive Director at Florence Crittenton. She would show up with bags of new items and I could tell she lovingly planned her purchases. At church she always greeted us with her loving warm smile. She will be greatly missed.
Mary Lou Potts says
I am SO sorry for such loss to your family & all of us who had the privilege of getting to know her!!! May God be with you & strengthen you & somehow give you peace as only He can!! Many prayers for all of you!!
Mary Lou Potts
Wilma Tabaracci says
Larry, I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Know that I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Jenny Axelson says
So sorry to you, Larry, and your family. Barb was an amazing lady who I treasured spending time with talking and getting to know her. She was authentic, kind, fun and the most caring person. She loved everyone she touched and truly cared for others. I feel blessed to have served with her at our church tutoring students as well as at food share. You would always feel better after spending time with her. She is a bright light they will be truly missed. Heaven received a beautiful lady. Praying God gives your family comfort.
Malik Moses-Westphal says
My grandma was my hero.
She was always there to make any situation better and I miss her so much. Thank you to whoever wrote these kind words.
Jo Ann Jones says
Leslie, Larry and the family,
Barb was such a bright spot when I was going through troubled times. She will be missed! Prayers for you all!
Pat Mandeville says
I am so sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. She was a lovely lady. My prayers are with Larry and the family.
Susan Munsinger says
We were so sad to hear about the passing of Barbara. Sending you love and prayers from Kalispell.
Gordon, Carol, Susan & Mark Pirrie
Western Outdoor/Norms Soda Shop
Jim Atkinson says
Oh Larry I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You know Barb was my favorite councilperson and cherished friend. May God show you and the family great mercy as you face the future without her. My prayers are with you.
Bev Larson says
Dear Larry and family, I too was shocked and very sad to hear of Barbara’s passing. She was such an encourager to everyone she met. The love of Christ shined through her beautiful smile. I have so many fond memories of how whe loved and enpowered the students at her classes in Kalispell. I would often stop in just to witness God’s love in action. She would be holding a baby while the Mom was conpleting her work on the computer. She believed in everyone and with grace and humor helped each student to believe in themselves. When I visited her in Helena she took me along to the Florence Crittenton Home luncheon. What a lady Her love and legacy will live on for generations to come. I am praying for all of you. Bev Larson
Elias Moses-Westphal says
My grandmother was absolutely amazing. Thank you everyone for your kind words.
Paul and Donna Gallagher says
We’ll miss Barbara a lot. The California Gallagher’s Visited Larry and Barbara quite a few times over the years including a large family reunion at their home. They were so generous with there time and all they had. We had a wonderful time in Helena and invite MY old friends to their home for dinner and get together s. Barbara went above and beyond.
Bob Stansberry/Connie Rosenblatt says
Connie and I were saddened to the hear the passing of our friend, Barbara. Bob worked with her for years on the Foxview Estates HOA Board. She was always so upbeat and positive. We will miss her bright smile and wonderful laugh. Our deepest condolences to Larry and the entire family.
Kathe Ranger Schmit says
Larry I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Barbara. Please know my prayers are with you to bring you peace in the difficult task of letting go of your loved one.
Suzanne Seburn says
Larry,
I am Ron and Pat Imes’ d
aughter, Suzi. You and Barbara made friends with my parents while all of you were new to Touchmark. I remember meeting Barbara when I visited and how kind and welcoming she was. You both attended my mother’s funeral a year ago and I so appreciated that and the friendship the two of you offered to my parents and my dad when he was left alone. I am so sorry for your loss,
Suzanne Seburn
Sherri Ohs-Mosley says
Larry and family,
I remember Barb the most when we visited you both at your home after Barb’s car accident. She was in so much pain but remained positive, funny and optimistic about her future. At church she was warm and greeted everyone as if you were her best friend. She was truly remarkable and her faith always radiated from her and through her. I’m truly sorry such a bright soul had to suffer through COVID-19 and what a terrible loss for your family.
Robin Graham says
Dear, dear Larry and family, I am so very sorry for you and all of us who have known and loved Barbara. Your obituary did such a wonderful job of touching on those qualities of Barbara’s that made her such a special person: her tenacity when advocating for others, her gracious and welcoming presence, and her sense of humor that could put the icing on joy as well as lighten up a dark time. Some 26 years ago, I called Barbara to inquire about the possibility of working with her at Education Recovery Foundation. As we chatted on the phone, we both got goose bumps as we realized how much the timing and circumstances of my call were held in the hands of Divine Intervention. This experience was life changing for me. I learned so much from Barbara in my years as her co-teacher, both about teaching and about loving the myriad of humans who came through our doors. She had the most amazing way of insisting on the best from students and doing so without judgment or pressure, but with inordinately loving patience. Who, but Barbara, could encourage respectful language from some of the most renowned student swearers and do so without preachy lecturing, but rather, by tapping on the rim of a “cuss jar” to which the swearers willingly contributed a quarter each time they swore? Ultimately, her humorous curative was a win-win for us all: students became mindful of the ease with which they were blasting our ears with profanity and their contributions to the jar–sheepishly delivered–bought pizza for the class at the end of the month (or semester or year, as students swore less and less frequently)! No matter how recalcitrant the student, Barbara had a way of reaching out and taking in that changed many of her students’ lives. She coached me as a young mother and exemplified the way I wanted to parent. I was fortunate enough to be working with Barbara when she first began dating you, Larry, and I recall the emotional intelligence she shone on the prospect of joining your lives and families together. Barbara’s love of the Psalms encouraged in me a new appreciation and love for them and I cherish a book on contemplative Psalm-reading that she gifted me. And her laugh! I’ll keep the memory of that warm and joyous sound forever in my heart.
Mary H Bailey says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Larry and the family. Barb was a sweet person with a heart of gold. I enjoyed working with her on the after school program and the projects she set up for the women’s ministry. She will truly be missed.
Sandy Bradford says
My heartfelt sympathies to you, Larry, and family members. Now to retire another ‘fork’ of the ‘7 fork society’. How I enjoyed the lunches with the Magnificent Seven and all 7 of us sharing a dessert together. And her sharing a slip of rhubarb from her garden for mine; hence the name she acquired from me – jokingly, rhu-Barb. I will miss her – miss her laugh, her wisdom and insights into the journey of life, and how she could so marvelously re-invent herself through heartache or disappointments. She was a grand influence not only to me but to many. New knees, precious one, to dance on the streets of gold. Sandy Bradford
Patty and Don Herzog says
Larry and Family, There really are no words to describe how saddened we were to hear of Barbara’s passing to covid-19. We met Barbara when we moved to the FVE subdivision in 2006. Barbara was the first person who welcomed us and she really was EVERYTHING that has been described in the comments above. She and Larry took huge pride in their home here and in our opinion have left a huge impact in this community to this day.
Our sincere sympathy to all of you.
Patty and Don
Kenneth Churcher says
I only met Barbara three years ago when I visited Montana with her daughter Lara to attend a family reunion. When we met she was very welcoming, loving, and relaxing to around. This only increased over the years. I was looking forward to more good times, but I’m glad for times I was gifted to have. Barbara your giving may have stopped on the world, but its results will continue long into the future.
Theresa Luhman says
Larry, Kristen, Laura and Jonathan, I am so sorry that you’ve lost Barb from your lives. I know that her love of family will live through you all. She adored you all so much! Her friendship was one of the great joys of my life. She was an amazing person with a wonderful gift of acceptance and joy and love for her fellow human beings. We will miss having her in this world with us.
Lynnette Sena says
Barbara was the first person I met when I started attending Life Covenant Church 5 years ago. She instantly made me feel welcome and was so sincere and likeable. As I got to know her better and had the opportunity to serve with her on the Women’s Ministry… I quickly realized what a truly incredible lady she was. To know Barbara is to love her. She was so genuine and she lived out her faith. She touched so many lives and will be missed dearly. Heaven gained someone special.
Michael Fraser says
Dear Larry. My heart felt support over loosing a soul mate. I remember your joy in meeting and finding Barbara. I pray God will be your comforter during the period of grieving and renewal. Michael Fraser
Deb Wakeland says
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved wife and mother. Words can’t express the heartache from her passing. She was my living Angel and I so appreciate everything she did for me. God sent that special woman into my life at the time I needed someone who would listen. I loved seeing her pop up in different places around town. I will deeply miss running in to her at the doctors office. Barb, you’ve gained your heavenly wings and thank you for being that special person that I needed on that one day. You’re forever in my heart and in the arms of our sweet lord now. Thank you for all you did. Until I see you again my Angel friend. ❤️
Darrin Gallagher Woods says
I really enjoyed my conversations with Aunt Barbara, during our family trips to Montana. She was so witty and spirited and we shared a lot in common, with our work histories. Hearing my Aunt Barbara’s experiences was fascinating to me. She was so loving and kind, upon each visit. It seems like Aunt Barbara was kindred in spirit to everyone, because of her open-heartedness and kindness to all. I will really miss Aunt Barbara. Aunt Bonnie and Aunt Barbara, we love you … we will see and feel you again, when all our energies join.
Please watch over my Uncle Larry.
Love,
Darrin (nephew)
Chad Gallagher says
My sincere condolences to my Montana family. Thinking of you all and wishing you peace and healing during this difficult time. Barbara will certainly be missed.
Donna Gallagher says
Barbara was my sister in law, married to my husband Paul’s brother Larry. We visited Larry and Barbara many times from California, for Reunions, Megan’s wedding and Dylan’s wedding, and Leslie’s wedding and Barbara and Larry’s wedding and just to visit Paul’s family and friends. The last 4 -5 times we were in Helena we were hosted by Barbara and Larry. Barbara filled her kitchen and refrigerator with food enough for an army. She was clever in so many ways. She was a hard worker, played games with the grandkids, stained glass, crochet and knitted. They grew their food garden and she kept healthy food for haer and Larry. It was a treat to stay at her home. She was very generous. A couple times Barbara, Larry and the two kids stayed with us in CA. and they were fun guests.
I will really miss Barbara and I send my thoughts and prayers to Barbara’s family, Larry and her 3 grown children whos hearts are
surely aching at this time.
JoAnn Priebe says
Dear Larry and family,
Bob and I were so sadden to hear that this Covid took Barbara from you all.
We treasure the times we had gotten together and bumped into you two about town.
Prayers and hugs to all
Bob and JoAnn Priebe
Joe J. Calnan says
Larry, I’m sure you recall the the freighters were there with you and Barbara in Kalispell when your life on that tail you both chose started.. I’m sure that trip was somewhat like all of our trips, but the Camp Baxxxxx wasn’t there to stir thing up. So no matter where the trip took us it was always a good and memorable experience for all of us.. It sounds like your travels with Barbara were the same.
For some unknown reason we have been travelling the same trail over the recent years, but apparently different. directions. But we were always just literally a few mile apart, we now have more than ever in common and and opportunity to get on the same trail and complete our trips. I Promise I with call you soon, and we can saddle up again and travel some more memorable miles without worrying about horses and all that “sort of fun” we used to have. we can both take care of our wounds and get headed in the right directions on the same trail
I’ll be praying for your Barbara and Tom’s Kathy with my prayers for my Mariann tonight and as part of my daily rosery. Good Bless You My Friend.
Joe Calnan