BARBARA FROEHLICH SHELINE
1951-2011
Helena lost a good friend, companion and all around fun person, when Barb Sheline lost her hard fought battle with lung cancer on January 13, 2011. Surrounding her at her passing were her devoted and dedicated husband, Dennis, and her sisters, Marijeanne and Pat, and her brother-in-law, Earl.
Barb was born March 13, 1951 in Anaconda and grew up in Helena. She graduated from Helena High School in 1969 and was further educated at Montana State Eastern. She worked her entire career for the State of Montana, beginning at the Highway Department and retiring from the Department of Administration. After her retirement, Barb decided she wanted to be more active and took on a substitute teaching role at Montana City and Clancy Schools. She thoroughly enjoyed these positions and was truly loved by the staff and students.
Barb was active in the community and, over time, joined a bowling league. Until her illness, she was an active member of Bill Robert’s Ladies Golf League.
Barb was also a faithful friend of Bill W. for 7 ½ years.
During the course of their marriage, Barb and Dennis built three homes together. They also traveled extensively to such places as the Caribbean, Greece, Aruba and Vancouver Island, as well as numerous places within the U. S.
Barb was a real animal lover and her family knew she would have been a wonderful vet. At one point she had a den of foxes living her in back yard, many of whom she named. It was not uncommon when some of the foxes would come to her when she called. Besides Dennis, Barb’s constant companions over the past 30 years were her German Shepherds. Barb always had at least one German Shepherd at her side, and often two or three. She considered them her babies.
Barb was an avid gardener and every spring she reveled in the compliments she received regarding her beautifully landscaped yard.
Barb is preceded in death by her parents, Marge and Bill Froehlich; and her dear Aunt, Katherine (Froehlich) See. She is survived by her loving husband, Dennis; sisters, Marijeanne Connolly of Missoula and Pat (Earl) Hanson of Bozeman; her devoted German Shepherd, Dax; step-children, Laura Crawford and Bill Sheline (Deb Stevens); grandchildren, Tanner Crawford, Chase Russell, Levi and Joey Stevens; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Barbara will be terribly missed by her family and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Barb, Dennis and their family would like to thank the staff at St. Peter’s Cancer Center and St. Peter’s Hospice for their caring and expertise.
Come join Barbara’s family and friends in a Celebration of her Life at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 18 at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Barbara asked that everyone dress in casual clothing. Following the Celebration, the family has asked that you join them for refreshments at the Montana City Bar & Grill. Memorials in Barbara’s name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society; P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604; Hospice of St. Peter’s 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601 or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Aggie Wismer says
Dennis & Family,
So sorry to hear about Barb’s passing. I knew her from all those years working at DOA. She was one special person. Let all the good memories of your time together help you through this loss. With sympathy.
Aggie
Anita Moon says
So sorry for your loss. Barb was always such a bright spot in my day, always good for a laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Audrey Hinman says
Dennis – My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. I have very fond memories of Barb at work, golfing, and having fun.
Audrey Hinman says
Dennis – My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. I have very fond memories of Barb at work, golfing, and having fun.
Barb and Ron Marcoux says
Barb was a beautiful woman and a wonderful person.
She will be missed terribly.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Bea Williams says
Dennis,
My thoughts & sympathy are with you..what a great lady.
Bea
Bill Crivello says
Dennis — My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Bruce and Pam Mihelish says
Our deep sympathies to Pat, Earl and family. Barb was well known and well liked. We will miss her.
Cassie Owen says
Since 7th grade, Barb has been my funny, beautiful Forever Friend. Always the one to make me laugh with her stories and exploits, but it wasn’t until I was older that I came to fully appreciate her exceptional grace, wisdom and compassion for others. I am so lucky to have had Barb in my life and I am going to miss her terribly. (And, yes, honey, you will always be younger than me!) Deepest sympathies to Dennis, Marijeanne and Pat and the many others whose lives were enriched by this remarkable woman.
Charlene Giefer says
Dennis,
I am so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I was a pleasure to know her and work with her. We had some good times on the road during her last year working for the State. She was fun to be around and I am sure she will be missed by many people who have been touched by her life. I am thinking of you and pray for you and your family that your hearts are comforted by our Lord Jesus Christ. Charlene
Cheryl Cornish says
Barb was truly a wonderful and caring person. The students will definitely miss her in the classrooms.
Hold close and treasure your memories for they will warm your heart and keep her close.
Dana & Ron Dooley says
Barb will be missed by all her knew her….so sad to lose a woman with such energy and wit…Dennis, love and empathy to you,from Dana & Ron.
Debbie "Littell" Dodge says
I loved Barb and her wonderful sense of humor! She was fun loving, warm, tenancious and will be greatly missed~
Erika Wimmer says
Many warm memories I have with Barb and her wonderful family. I am so very sorry for the loss of such an amazing woman. I am comforted that she has such welcoming arms in heaven. My wish is for her family to have comfort. I’ll miss you Barb….
Fred and Judy Bakke says
We are thinking of Mary Jean and family, and praying that Barb has a speeding trip to be with her Mom and Dad in heaven. Barb was such a pretty girl.g
Heidi Mann says
I am so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I enjoyed working with her at ITSD and felt a kindred spirit with her in our love of GSDs. Please know I am thinking of you all and very sad for your loss.
Jim White says
I enjoyed working with Barb for many years. She always had a bright smile, and a great sense of humor. Dennis, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim
John & Cathy Kinser says
Although we only had the opportunity to spend 5 short days with Barb on the Smith River it was long enough to see what a warm, wonderful, fun-loving person Barb was. We shall cherish the wonderful memories of a beautiful woman, inside and out. Dennis, Pat and Earl our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We can only hope that your many wonderful memories of Barb will comfort you in the days to come.
Karen Bryson says
A bright light has gone out. Through my volunteer work at the hospital I enjoyed visits and laughs with Barb. My thoughts and prayers are with you Dennis. May the many memories of your travels together help you through the days and months ahead.
Karlee Smith says
Dennis & Family–
I was so surprised to read the paper this morning and learn of Barb’s passing… I haven’t seen Barb in several years but the years we worked together will always be a bright spot in my life. My thoughts are with all of you as you say goodbye to this great woman. Blessings.
Kathy Coleman Reilly says
Dennis, Very sorry to hear about Barb. I will always have fond memories of the time we worked together. She was full of life and a joy to be with. Take Care
Kennon Baird says
Heartfelt condolences to the family. Ken Baird, HHS ’69.
Laurence Petrsen says
Dennis,
We were so sorry to read about Barb’s illness and passing.
Larry reads the Helena IR daily which is our way of keeping in touch with what goes on in the area from here in Kentucky.
Take care of yourself – we’re sending a prayer your way.
As ever,
Larry and Marlene Petersen
Londa Burns says
Dennis and family, I am so sorry for this loss. Barb was a great person and I will miss seeing her. My prayers are with you. I feel privledged to have known her for so long. We had great fun planning our class reunions. Please take care. Londa
Lonnie & Marilyn Harmon says
Dear Dennis, Marijeanne, Pat and all:
Kathleen called this morning to tell me about Barbara’s recent passing. I was not aware that she had been ill -Kathleen said she must have told someone about it twice! I was so very sorry to hear about her illness and passing. I know it is difficult for all of you at this time. We hope that the prayers and caring of others will help you in this difficult time. It is too bad that we have not had a chance to have another family reunion before this time. We would have loved to see more of her as well as Uncle Bill.
Lonnie & Marilyn
Nina Martello says
Dennis & family: I was so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. She was such a wonderful person and I will miss her. As time passes she will always be with you as your Guardian Angel. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
Sandi & Dan Benson says
Smiles, laughs, and many stories we hold in our memories and hearts as we remember Barb. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We Love you Kid! God Bless
shirley froehlich seman says
i was so sorry to hear about barbara’s passing. i hope this message will reach her sisters and all other family members. she was a special lady.
Sue Hall Hart says
I am so sorry to see that one of our class mates is gone. Barb was such a great gal with such a wonderful personality. May you rest in peace Barb. Sue Hall Hart “69”
Tammy & Pete Ryan says
We will always have fond and fun memories of times we spent with Barb. I really can’t find the words to say how much she will be missed. Love you Barb. Dennis and family, please take care.
Teresa Enger says
Dennis, my heart goes out to you and your family. Barb was a great lady. I worked with her (and you) for several years. Barb was a courageous, strong woman! You are in my thoughts.
Teresa Enger
Terry Kramer says
Dear Dennis. I will be gone out of town for business next week and will be unable to attend Barb’s wake. I am deeply saddened by your loss. As you know, cancer is part of our daily struggle as well. The loss of Barb is personnel to me, first because I new her well from my fitness/aerobic days at the state,and second because of the common bond all cancer families feel with each other. Sincerely, Terry.
Val Flansaas says
Dennis I am so sorry for your loss. Barb was a wonderful, funny, happy person. She will be greatly missed by all. You and your family are in my prayers. Val – class of “69”
Walt & Nancy (Keil) Backer says
Barb was my friend for over thirty years and we have shared some truly wonderful times. I loved many things about Barb but her total honesty, sense of humor and love of animals are among my personal favorites. I can hear still hear her laugh. We were fortunate enough to have shared many wonderful meals prepared by Barb & Dennis over the years and those memories will always be some of the best. I am so very glad that she was my friend – Dennis you have been amazing. You have my deepest sympathy and love.
Ross DeRock says
Barb and Dennis always extended a warm welcome. I am saddened to discover that Barb is no longer with us. My sincere condolences to Dennis and family.