Barbara “Barb” Kay Palmquist (Oulds), age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 2, 2025, in Helena, Montana. Born on October 13, 1943, in Great Falls, Montana, Barb lived a life rooted in education, family, and a deep appreciation for the world around her.
Barb graduated from Great Falls High School in 1962 with Honors and went on to pursue higher education by attending Montana State College. She met the love of her life, Jock, on a blind date on New Year’s Eve set up by an Alpha Omega Pi sorority sister. Jock and Barb were married in 1964 in Great Falls, MT and later settled in Helena, MT to raise their family.
Barb stayed home raising their children until they were in elementary school. She decided to return to college to fulfill her dream of being a teacher and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Carroll College with Honors in 1979. Barb taught first and second grade at Warren School. In 1998, Barb completed her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Montana. Barb enjoyed her teaching career and made lifelong friends teaching at Warren. She retired in 2004 to spend more time with her grandchildren, grand-doggies, and travel with Jock.
Jock introduced Barb to skiing and it was all downhill after that. She skied because her family did and made sure she always looked good doing it. She and Jock built a ski home at Bridger Bowl where her family & friends gathered year ’round, creating memories and traditions. Barb especially enjoyed the wildflowers, bird watching and all the laughter and good food shared at the Cabin. Barb found immense joy in traveling the world, visiting family (especially her sister Pat in Florida) and loved making new friends along the way. She especially enjoyed the pyramids in Egypt. Barb enjoyed attending and cheering on the Montana State Bobcat’s football team and developed a love of golf with Jock and friends.
Barb was known as the person who held all her family together, always remembering everyone’s birthdays, keeping everyone connected, and making sure every holiday was a celebration. Barb was known for hosting family events and meals that brought loved ones together in warmth and celebration. Their gatherings were filled with laughter, good food, and cherished memories. She loved all her connections with many friends and up until her death she continued to make her weekly coffee gathering with her retired Warren Teachers group.
Barb is survived by her husband of 60 years, John (Jock) Palmquist Jr.; their son Kurt Palmquist and daughter-in-law Denise Palmquist; their daughter Lora Cowee and son-in-law Jeff Cowee; grandchildren Erik Palmquist (and his wife Johanna Palmquist), Blake Palmquist, and Aiden Cowee; sister in-law Anita Ahlers, as well as many nieces and nephews who held a special place in Barb’s heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey and Alfred Oulds; sisters Judy Kooser and Pat Coxey; sister-in-law Toni Jaraczeski; and brother-in-law Gary Jaraczeski.
May Barbara Kay Palmquist’s memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire all who were touched by her smile, kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love for family and friends and the awe of discovering a new place in the world.
A Vigil will be held on July 15, 2025, from 6:00 pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Retz Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral mass will be held on July 16, 2025, at 12:00 pm at St. Helena Cathedral, 530 N. Ewing St., with a private interment at Forestvale Cemetery later that afternoon. If desired, in lieu of flowers, you may donate to The Humane Society, Intermountain Children’s Home, or the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00pm
Tuesday July 15, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00pm
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00pm
Tuesday July 15, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00pm
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday July 16, 2025
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Cari Hutchison (Griffiths) says
Jock, Kurt and Lora,
My deepest condolences for your loss. I have such great memories of Barb, dating back to my childhood. May your faith and memories bring you comfort through this difficult time.
Rick O'Connell says
Jock, Kurt and Lola.
So sorry to hear about Barb. What a great lady. My heart goes out to you.
Tom and Joanne Bernasek says
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you; especially Jock, Kurt and Denise, Lora and Jeff and the entire family. Barb adored her family and spoke about all of you with great fondness and pride. She was a very special person and a wonderful friend. We will miss Barb’s quick wit, sense of humor, wise advice and love of her friends. It is very difficult to say goodbye to my friend, Barb
Dana Holzer says
Lora, I am so sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to you and your dad and brother, and Aiden and Jeff. You have such a special family.
Just last night I was just looking at photos of the Valentine’s Tea your mom gave the girls from Intermountain, in her home. She was so generous and hospitable to each girl, and certainly raised an amazing person, you!
Prayers for your whole family. Love, Dana Holzer
Cara Bird Walcheck says
So sorry to hear of your mothers passing Lora. I remember her chocolate waffle cookies and her kindness to my mother. My mom loved walking and talking with her and sharing stories of their students. Hard to see all the parents of our generation move on to the great beyond. Much love to you and your family.
Sharon Baker Heigh, member of Forestvale Cemetery Reservation Board says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Sharon Baker Heigh, member of Forestvale Cemetery Preservation Board says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Gary L Mihelish says
Jock,
We were so sorry to read about your loss of Barb today. It gave us pause to remember the good old days at Montana State College and social events with the AOII sorority and SAE fraternity. You’ve been a great couple for years. Our thoughts go out to you on your loss.
Gary and Sandra Mihelish
Terry Beaver says
Jock,
So sorry for your loving loss. There is very little anyone can say so as to console you or your family.
The one thing that made me put it in perspective was a simple saying.
“Grieve not in her death, but rejoice in that she was.”
Rejoice Jock
Terry
Mary and Oliver Westover says
Sorry for your loss. We will miss her so much. She was a good teacher to my son.