Barbara Coleman Bacon passed away on May 25th 2014. She was born December 5, 1914 to Elizabeth and Julius Bethke in Appleton, Wisconsin. They eventually moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where she attended St. Margaret’s Academy. She married Jerome Coleman on November 26, 1936, who preceded her in death in 1943. They had three children, Barbara Ann, Jerome Kevin and Geraldine. In 1946 she married Ernest Bacon, a widower who had one daughter, Betty. Ernest worked for the IRS and after each of his promotions the family would move to another city until he retired in 1968 and they moved to Helena, Montana. Ernest then taught Business Law and Accounting at Carroll College.
Barbara earned a B.A. degree at Carroll in 1972. Ernest and Barbara had two children, John and Richard. Ernest died in 1982. Barbara’s interest in art inspired her activities in painting, pottery and stained glass. Many of her creations adorn the homes of her children and grandchildren. Barbara also loved fishing, rock collecting and outdoor activities of all kinds. Barbara continued her artistry throughout most of her life and also tutored reading to children in Helena’s HOST program, played piano for residents at various nursing homes in Helena, loved playing bridge and gin rummy with friends and family, and frequently entertained staff and residents at the Touchmark Assisted living with her piano and singing skills.
Barbara loved visiting with her six children, fifteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and her three great-great grandchildren. Sadly, she was preceded in death by daughter Betty, son John and great granddaughter Cary Leigh.
She is survived by daughter Barbara Ann (Ed) MacKinnon, son Jerome (Mary) Bacon, daughter Geraldine (Paul) Cuny, son Richard (Patty) Bacon, and daughter-in-law Susan Bacon. She is also survived by grandchildren Kristin, Jennifer, Kathleen, Suzanne, Steven, Sevrina, Barbara Sue, David, Bill, Aaron, Anna, Jamie, Marty, Corey and Marci, her nine great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. The family would like to express appreciation to the staff at Waterford Assisted Living in Helena and at Touchmark on South Hill in Spokane for the excellent, loving care provided for Barbara in her later years.
Memorial Celebration will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 3rd at Hennessey Smith Funeral Home, Spokane, WA. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4th at Retz Funeral Home 315 E. 6th Avenue, Helena. A Funeral Mass will be 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 5th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street with burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Please visit below to offer condolences or share a memory of Barbara.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 4, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Motnana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday June 5, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Motnana 59601
Burial
Following the Mass
Thursday June 5, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 4, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Motnana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday June 5, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Motnana 59601
Burial
Following the Mass
Thursday June 5, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , 59602
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Barney Bethke says
As we were growing up, Aunt Barbara was often spoken of in the Ted Bethke household. But as youngsters, we really knew her more from photos and birthday cards than from actual experience. It was a far distance from our home in Maryland to her home in (exotic) places like Kansas City, Albuquerque, Omaha, and Helena. As travel and visits became easier, we discovered the warm, wonderful, and talented person she was. We are grateful for her and express our condolences to family and friends. We share her faith that she has gone on to a better place.
Hugh McElroy says
My aunt Barbara, my godmother, the wife of my mothers twin and my mothers good friend. A beautiful, talented, warm and gracious woman who lived life as it should be lived. I always had the highest regard for my aunt Barbara and wish her peace in her eternal life which she has now entered.
Mary Kay Coleman Samuel says
My memory of Aunt Barbara was many years ago when she Barbara Ann and Kevin (Jerome)stayed at our house(Uncle Larry and Aunt Evelyn) before Geraldine was born. I thought she was the most beautiful lady,She lived a very full life with a large family and many activities.She is now at peace.To all the family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry and Paulette Carter says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Faye Ritter says
Condolences to the family.