LaDene Renae Barber, 51, of Helena, died of heart failure Monday at St. Peter’s Hospital in the presence her family after a courageous decade-long battle with breast cancer.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Anderson, Stevenson, and Wilke Funeral Home and a memorial service will take place at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Helena on Friday, October 22 at 11:30 a.m. with an inurnment following at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception at Green Meadow Country Club will conclude the celebration. In the spirit of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month and in honor of her crusade, we ask, “Are you tough enough to wear pink?”
LaDene, was born February 4, 1959, in Lewistown, MT. She attended Denton High School where she graduated in 1977. On July 8, 1978 she married her high school sweetheart, Dwight Barber in Denton, MT.
LaDene enjoyed being nana, sewing, quilting, crocheting, crafting, scrapbooking, gardening, and… cleaning? She was always up for a trip or adventure, card and board games, boating, dinners on the veranda, or anything else that would bring her together for laughs with family and friends. She had a timeless sense of elegance and class that provided her keen eye for design and art. She was a creative woman who could turn any ordinary space into something regal.
She was actively involved in emergency medical services for nearly a quarter century; she was a certified EMT-D, she served as Director of the Denton Ambulance Service and was a member of a trauma counseling team organized to assist several Central Montana community departments. Her philanthropic nature was fueled by her love of people and her eagerness to help someone in need.
The majority of her career was comprised of bookkeeping and office management. She was a hard working, organized, radiant professional and an invaluable asset, to say the least, in the businesses of her loved ones.
Above all, LaDene epitomized being a wife, mother, and nana. She lived her life for her husband, children and grandchildren. She is an irreplaceable presence in the lives of many.
LaDene is survived by her husband of 32-years, Dwight Barber; her daughter and son-in-law, Darci and Joe Jurenka; and their children, Karter and Korbyn of Helena, her son and daughter-in-law, Dustin and Elisa Barber; and their daughter Ryan of Bozeman, her son and daughter-in-law “in waiting” Degan Barber and Stacey Terrell of Billings; her father, Henry Nemec of Great Falls; her brother and sister-in-law, Lon and Patty Nemec of Coffee Creek; her grandmother and step-grandfather, Mary and William Dolena of Great Falls; her mini aussie shadow Bailey Bop and countless extended family members, friends, and many other she touched throughout the course of her incredible life.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Fulbright; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Caddie Barber; and grandfather, Hank Nemec.
If you wish to honor LaDene’s memory, please make a contribution to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Drew Dawson says
My sincere condolences. While I have not seen Ladene for many years, I became acquainted with her when I was Montana’s state EMS director and she was the director of the Denton ambulance service. I will always remember her dedication to EMS and her positive, cheerful attitude. She was a terrific lady. Enjoy the great memories.
JanLyn Rowland says
I am so sorry for your loss, Ladene was the bravest person I know. I know one of her life long goals was to see her kids marry and see her grandkids. I am thankful she was able to do that. She had a well lived life. remember death is not the end of a life but the beginning of an angel
God Bless
JanLyn Zach and Andy
Lanette & Paul Scott says
Dear Dwight and family,
My heart goes out to all of you in the loss of LaDene. There is no greater pain than what you all are going through right now. But I pray that God will be with you all during this this most difficult time and the days to come. Keeping you all in my prayers. God Bless!
Julie Lyon says
Dwight and family,
What a great woman has left your lives! I know there will be a gapping hole in your lives without LaDene, but I also know she prepared you to be a family and you will go on in grace. My heart is sad for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie
Carol Flanagan says
To Dwight and family: I am so, so sorry to hear of the loss of LaDene. I simply cannot express my deep sorrow at her passing. What a gal! I hope you all are well, Dwight. I send my deepest condolences to you and your family. With much love to you all…Carol Flanagan
Suzanne and Colton Woolsey says
Dwight and Family, My heart breaks for your loss. Knowing she is in a better place can bring comfort but only time can lessen the pain. LaDene was a beautiful person and I’m so thankful to have known her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dorene Woody says
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends that LaDene shared her life with. There is a plan bigger than what we know and LaDene makes us aware of the difference we can make in others lives, as she did in ours…… God Bless You
Kristi Moore says
Dwight,Dustin,Elisa,Darci,Joe,Deegan,
So sorry to hear about LaDene, she was a exceptional person and she will be missed by alot of people. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this trying time
Ryan Cobb says
LaDene made the world a brighter place for everyone she came in contact with and she will be sorely missed. Dwight, Dustin, and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Duane & Marilyn Sparks says
Dwight, Darci, Dustin, Degan, and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. LaDene was a wonderful person and brought happiness to many lives.
God Bless,
Marilyn and Duane
Judy Mossey says
What a shining light LaDene was. Such sweet memories. I pray that your memories and her love will sustain you in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers for all of the family.
Kathy (Christians) Rogers says
Dear Dwight & family, I am so sorry for your loss. LaDene has left an imprint on so many lives. My prayers are with all of you.
God Bless You,
Kathy, Steve and Elizabeth
Vickie Zikmund says
Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.. So sorry to hear about the passing of LaDene..With deepest sympathy..Vickie & Roger
Kathi and Tracy Cowdrey says
We were so saddened to hear of Ladene’s passing. She was such a loving person. We will miss her dearly. All our best,
The Cowdrey’s
Regan and Peggy Dean says
We were so sad to hear of LaDene’s passing. She was always smiling and full of fun when we knew her in Denton. She will be missed.
John & Mary Herem says
LaDene had so much elegance, humor, courage, and above all love. We’re so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Rory and Nadine Zikmund says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful women and a great fighter. She will be greatly missed.
Rena Carlson says
Dustin and Family,
I’m very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace, comfort and healing in the days ahead.
Gene and Marlene Gerer says
Dear Dwight and family,
May God be with you and grant you peace and comfort always.