It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jeannie (Clara Jean) Barker on April 19, 2024. She was living at Touchmark in Helena, Montana, at the time of her passing.
Clara Jean was born June 13, 1928, in Denver, Colorado. Her family moved a few years later to Anaconda, Montana, where they lived for several years until they finally settled in Helena where Jeannie’s dad began a business, Samson Plumbing and Heating. Jeannie grew up in a loving household with parents William and Lois Samson and her two older sisters, Edith and Lois.
Throughout her lifetime, Jeannie was very outgoing and eager to engage in several pursuits be it with an interesting job, membership in various organizations, or recreational activities. She was a cheerleader in high school, which suited her very well. Throughout the years she was a member of a PEO Chapter and, being the young at heart person that she always was, Jeannie continued to play on a bowling league into her late 80’s. She worked for a time for Judge Honzel, for the State of Montana in the Auditors Office and for State Farm Insurance. She had such a nice smile, looked for the good in every situation and never complained. It was apparent that Jeannie was genuinely interested in others, particularly in their well-being, and she loved offering advice. A favorite pastime of hers was finding ways to surprise and to treat her loved ones. It was so special for friends and family to receive a beautifully written letter or other message from Jeannie, who had a gift for writing.
Jeannie was first married to Eugene (Gene) Daugherty who passed away in 1977. Together they had two children, Dave and Susan. They enjoyed hosting special dinners for family and friends in their home, especially at Christmas time. They looked forward to skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling together in the winter. During this time Jeannie played bridge, golf, and sang in the Helena Symphony Chorale. Both she and Gene were very active in the Presbyterian Church.
Several years after Eugene passed, Jeannie married a long-time family friend, Rich Barker, and her life was enriched with their blended family. They both owned cabins on Canyon Ferry Lake and summers found them working in their yards together and appreciating the wonders of nature. Jeannie affectionately gave her cabin the name Sommerset. Her flower gardens were lovely. It was a perfect place to spend fun times with her family. As the winters approached, Rich and Jeannie would head to Palm Springs, California. During this period in her life Jeannie was inspired to begin painting her beautiful nostalgic and scenic watercolor creations. Also, Jeannie and Rich joined the Grace Community Fellowship Church.
Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Edith (Roy) Hagle, her sister Lois (Hank) Beyer, husbands Eugene Daugherty and Rich Barker, daughter Sue Cherrie, grandchildren Christopher and Tonya Woznicki, honorary grandson Shane Palmquist , daughter-in-law Connie Daugherty, and lifelong friends Jackie McHugh and Shirley Sautter.
Jeannie is survived by her son Dave, grandchildren Dale (Tanith), Rob (Kim), Heather, honorary daughter Judy Barker Palmquist (Blaine), and honorary grandchildren Christian (Theresa) Palmquist, Sarah Palmquist, Heidi (Marty) Scanlon and great grandchildren Kylee, Joziphine, Liberty, Keegan, Dillon, Jordan, Josephina, Zach, Ashley, Aziah, Alyvia, Slade, and Dahila, Vivian as well as nieces Jeannie Stewart (Gordon), Marlene Campbell (Murdo), Christine Hoffman (Larry), Linda Kasperick (Steve), Cindy Beyer, nephew Bill Beyer and several great nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Hospice of St Peter’s Hospital for their assistance and care. Also, a special thank you is given to the compassionate Touchmark staff, who provided loving care to Jeannie during her time in Assisted Living and especially during her final days.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 Montana Avenue. A reception will follow the service in the social hall.
Donations would be appreciated to Grace Community Fellowship, 38 South Last Chance Gulch, Room 201, Helena, Montana.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Thursday April 25, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Fueneral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday April 25, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Thursday April 25, 2024
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Thursday April 25, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Fueneral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday April 25, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Thursday April 25, 2024
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bob Silberling says
I have known Jeannie all my life. She was truly the BEST! She was a true friend and a constant at the Bompart’s family home. Putting up with Jackie and Irene. She was a loyal friend to Jackie and I think one of the kindest and sweets persons ever. I am sad to know her smile and kindness will forever be missed. I can honestly say she was loved by everyone who ever knew her.
Helen Beausoleil says
A true gift in my life to have known Jeannie. I met her at Crossroads where we walked and talked. So fun to get to know her and about her. I treasure those “chats” and forever memories. Her smile and genuine interest in others was inspiring.
We are out of town, but will join you in celebrating her life.
Jennifer & Matt Van Syckle says
So very sorry to hear of Jeannie’s passing. We were neighbors of her and Rich during the time they lived in their Saddle Dr. condo. To say we truly enjoyed their company was an understatement. They were rays of happiness and sunshine in our neighborhood. Always greeted with a smile, warm conversation, and the feeling she was so excited to run into us. I’ll never forget the time she stopped me and said, “Now, you’re leaving for work at a different time, what’s going on?” (I’d gotten a different job) We chuckled at how close she kept an eye on things -and people! We look back on our memories of them with great fondness.
April Fife says
I’m so sorry to hear about Jeannie’s passing. She was a sweet and kind woman. Life long and dear friend to my Grandma Shirley. I imagine a wonderful reunion of “pals” for over 80 years between Jeannie, Jackie, and Shirley. My thoughts are with all of her family.
Mark Spiroff says
On behalf of Mom (Katie) and my sister (Linda Graham), we offer our sincere condolences to Jeannie’s family, especially David who always called me “Gus” – and all the great memories we had of she and her family at our summer vacations together at Seeley Lake. Mom (Katie) and Jeannie we born on the very same day and the same year, and very much grieves the loss her “Twin Sister”