Barbara Jean Schmidt, age 62, of Helena, passed away Friday, June 21 in Helena.
Barb was born March 12, 1951 in St Ignatius, Montana to Phillip and Florence Schmitz of Ronan. She attended and graduated from Ronan High School and later attended Montana State University in Bozeman. Barb majored in interior design and architecture.
She worked and lived in Bozeman for many years where she met R. Loren Schmidt. They were married in 1979 and had one child, a daughter, Skylure Schmidt. They lived in Nebraska for several years before Barb and Skylure moved back to Montana. She worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Helena for over 20 years and retired this last April.
Barb loved gardening, making her home and yard beautiful, being outdoors, her family, along with all of her beloved horses, dogs, and cats that adopted her over the years. Barb was a beautiful lady who left her special touch on all she met.
She is survived by her daughter Skylure of Missoula, sisters: Cherryl (Jim) Taylor of Helena, Dee Marie of Manchester, Washington, Sheila Conner of Ronan; several aunts, and a number of nieces and nephews. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Florence Schmitz along with her brother Phillip A Schmitz of Ronan.
A Celebration of Barbara’s Life is scheduled for 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 26, at Retz Funeral Home Chapel, 315 E 6th Ave., with a reception to follow the service in the Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. To offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Barb, please visit below.
Diane Walchuk says
I will always remember Barb. Her smile was unique as was her voice. She was the older upperclassmen I looked up to and when I got to hang out with her I felt so honored. She had more charm, charisma, and beauty than any beauty pagent queen. There are many definitions to the word beauty and Barb held true to each one. That’s how I remember Barb, the most beautiful gal in the class of “1969”
I’m sorry Cherryl, Dee, and Shelia and Skylure for your lose.
My best to you all
Diane Walchuk
Anne says
My thoughts have been with all my Montana Sissy’s all evening. As a late comer to this well established team, I didn’t get to spend as much time with Barbie as you all did. Such a gift, getting to share her entire life together.
Barb had a quiet way of cracking me up some times. Just when you least expect it, something brilliant, or witty, or ????!!!!!! pops out. I’m so thankful to have crossed paths with you all.
Thank God he is holding your beautiful hearts in the palms of his hands to help you through your days.
Love,
Anne
Sara Margie Graveley-Knigge says
My thoughts and prayers with all who knew Barb. I worked indirectly with her at BlueCross BlueShield. She always had a great smile! A real beauty inside and out.
So sorry for your loss.
Krysta says
I will never forget her smile and wonderful laugh. She had a way of putting a positive spin on any negative situation and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. What an amazing lady! She will definitely be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
God Bless
Krysta
Carol Noel Athearn says
We’ve all lost a special person and friend. Barb was a bright light in our class and it was so great to reconnect with her a few years ago here in Helena when several of us from the class of 1969 got together. I’m only sorry we didn’t get together more often. My thoughts and prayers go out to Barb’s family and hope you remember the happy times. Barb will be missed but was such a positive person in many lives.
Thinking of you all, Carol Athearn
Amy Simpson Manley says
Barb always had a sly smile with a twinkle in her eyes that gave way to her quick wit and infectious laugh. Her real gift though was always turning the attention back to the person she was speaking with. She could always make you feel as special as she was.
You are all in my prayers….
Love you, AMy
Roland E. Sager says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My memories of the Schmitz Family are special, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May God Bless you all, Roland
Delores Michell Almanza says
My prayers are with you and your family Cheryl. Barb will be greatly missed by friends her friends at BCBSMT. She was a great person to work with and she helped keep it fun I will miss her smile and sense of humor as well
Jackie Dunbar says
Barbie, you always had a beautiful smile and quick wit! I enjoyed working with you and will always remember how much we laughed together! Rest in peace my friend!
Bruce and Sharon Simpson says
A memory is a keepsake of time that remains with us forever (we will always remember that wonderful laugh). Treasure those special times with Barb as they will help heal your hearts, give you strength, comfort and peace. Even though we are unable to be with you tomorrow our thoughts and prayers will be with each of you.
Bruce and Sharon
Judy DesJarlais says
Barb was a bright spot in any day from the twinkle in her eyes and then add in her warm smile. It was a joy to know her. I remembering you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy
Jes says
Barb had a smile and laugh that would always light up the room. She encouraged the best in everyone that she touched and pushed you to reach goals that you never thought you could. She is loved and cherished by everyone that ever had the honor and privilage to know her. The stars are now brighter with holding her smile.
Always in our thoughts.
Lucy Morell-Gengler says
Barb will be missed and remembered fondly. I always enjoyed when she would pick Skylure up at daycare and we would talk and talk. Skylure was such a wonderful kid ( and still is I am sure). Just wanted the family to know that even after all these years thinking of Barb and Skylure brings back some really great memories. Sorry I missed the service but I will keep her and Skyure in my prayers.
Lucy,Dan, Jon Peter, Nick & Michael