Mary Margaret “Peggy” Barnekoff
On the evening of February 22, 2025, our mom, grandma, aunt, and friend passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. She was 90 years old.
Peggy was born August 19, 1934 at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City. She was the third child and second daughter born to Budd and Doris Neill. Peggy spent her early childhood in the eastern part of Montana, playing at the old homestead outside of Miles City and living in the very small town of Hathaway. In grade school her father got a job at the pea factory in Bozeman and the family moved west. They eventually settled in Livingston and Peggy graduated from Park County High School in 1952.
Peggy met her lifelong friend Joyce Bowen (now Ludtke) in Livingston when they were 11 years old, and they remained close up until her death. The two of them moved to Helena together shortly after high school, living in the YWCA before finding an apartment with two other girls. Oh, the times they had! Joyce introduced Peg to a nice young man by the name of Del Barnekoff whom she worked with at the Union Bank, and the rest is history. Peg and Del were married on July 2, 1955. Their first child, Curt, was born in 1958 with Nancy following in 1962. Peggy’s family was her pride and joy.
Several State agencies employed Peg over the years, including the Board of Health, Welfare Department, Merit System and Labor Relations Board. She also served as an election judge on a regular basis. After retiring from state government, Peg volunteered for the Senior Center and the Talking Book Library for many years. She was a West Valley Fire Department Auxilliary member as well as belonging to a Home Demonstration club and a Birthday club. She made so many good friends through these social and service organizations.
Peg enjoyed crocheting, reading (and later listening to talking books), as well as camping with many of her and Del’s closest friends. Dances at the 4-H Community Center were highlights as well. Later they joined an Early Ford V8 car club and Capitol Carriages and made many more good friends. She also enjoyed writing poetry to commemorate special events in her life and the lives of those she loved. Peg shared her life with several cats over the years, most notably Hope and Gidget.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings, Jim Neill, Polly Amunrud, and Donna Thiel, as well as a younger brother who passed away shortly after birth. Her husband Del died in 2006 and Peggy lived independently in the house on North Montana Avenue for most of her remaining years.
She is survived by her children, son Curt (Dennie) Barnekoff, their children Derrick (Ashley) Barnekoff, Whitney (Luke) McKinley, and Masha Barnekoff, and daughter Nancy Logan. Peggy had five great-grandchildren of whom she was extremely proud, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews who were very special to her as well.
Curt and Nancy would like to thank the staff of Beehive Homes, house #13 and the very caring medical staff of St. Peter’s hospital medical floor and St. Peter’s Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rocky Mountain Development Council or a charity of your choice.
The family will begin receiving friends 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue with a funeral service celebrating her life to be held at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Peggy.
of her full obituary to be posted when complete.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana
Helena, Montana
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
Potluck Reception
Immediately following the Celebration of Her Life
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Interment
Immediately following the reception
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Forestvale Cemetery
,
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana
Helena, Montana
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
,
Potluck Reception
Immediately following the Celebration of Her Life
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Social Center of the Funeral Home
,
Interment
Immediately following the reception
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Forestvale Cemetery
,
Share
Jon & Becky Bass says
Curt and Nancy, and family, your mom was was one of the most neatest people I have know in my life. I’am so amazed she never gave up, and made the most of things. She was a jewel, and I think the Birthday club is celebrating her arrival up in heaven, I’am so thankful she will have no more suffering, and will see your dad. Just want to say hugs to each of you, and I know you both have been great to your mom.
Our Prayers are with you. Love the Bass”
Kathleen Broussard says
Curt and family
We are so very sorry about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen and Kory Broussard
Wendy Riojas says
Nancy I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. I wish you peace today and always.
Aunt Peggy fly high with the angels and tell grampa Jim I said hi.
Wendy Riojas says
Nancy I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. I wish you peace today and always.
Aunt Peggy fly high with the angels and tell grampa Jim I said hi.
Love Wendy
Saundra Lowry says
Peg was one of the nicest people I’ve had the privilege to know. I so admired her refusal to allow her eyesight to hinder her. She was involved and interested and an inspiration. I met her through my work at RMDC and was among many wonderful seniors to teach by example how to grow younger with time. May you have your well deserved rest and joyfully restored eyesight Peg!♥️
Ellen Rae Thiel says
Sorry for your loss, Nancy and all the rest of the family. Peg’s sister, Donna Thiel, was my sister in law. So I met Nancy several times when Donna would come to visit. I remember Peg as always seeming to be happy. I know you will miss her terribly.
Christine Schuman says
Dear Curt and Nancy
To all who loved and admired Aunt Peg. My heart and prayers are with you. Thank you for calling me. I’m sorry I am on a job in Texas. I remember when Dad walked your Mom down the aisle to your Dad and Grandma Doris was making the punch for the reception I’m not sure who added the vodka but I think it was Dad butvGrandma kept tasting to make sure it was right. You know how great old time cooks did it. No recipe just a great taster. It got better each time she tasted it. Your parents had a beautiful wedding, a lovely family and a good life together. What a blessing for all who were privileged to be a part of her life. Thinking of all of you and keeping you in my prayers. Love to you all.