Virginia Lorraine (Howell) Barfknecht “Ginny”, 89, of Helena passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Monday, February 25, 2013.
Virginia was born to Elsa Mae (Howe) Howell and John Herbert Howell on
April 2, 1923 in Santa Barbara, CA where her family managed a local grocery store in Gaviota, CA. Four months later the family moved to Bozeman, MT. They purchased and operated the College Hill Grocery store on the corner of 7th and Dickerson St. for over 30 years. The store was a friendly gathering place for all the customers and neighbors plus a wonderful “grocery-bank” during the depression allowing simple “IOUs” until their customers could pay.
Virginia and her older sister Bernice attended schools in Bozeman, including Montana State College (MSC), while working in the grocery store. Virginia graduated from Montana State in 1945 with a degree in Home Economics and English. She was active in the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Spurs, Mortar Board, President of the Associated Women Students, Phi Kappa Phi Honorary and was named the “Montanan Beauty Queen”, two consecutive years.
Ginny married her childhood sweetheart, James F. Barfknecht, (after Jim also worked in the store as a delivery boy for 7 years). They were married in Bozeman, MT on April 4, 1945 while Jim was on leave from the Pacific Theater where he flew Torpedo Bombers off the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier. Virginia stayed in Bozeman to graduate from college, while Jim returned to the Navy. She met him in Chincoteague, VA after graduation and later moved back to Bozeman in September 1945 for Jim to graduate from MSC as a mechanical engineer.
Virginia and Jim became part owners of the College Hill Grocery until 1953 when they moved to Helena where Jim started the Army Aviation Organization. They built a home on Breckenridge where they have lived for 59 years, raising their three children, Kay (Joe) Robertson, Jim (Marcia) Barfknecht and Dee Barfknecht. They also have two grandsons Brad (Trecia) Barfknecht of Great Falls and John Barfknecht of Bozeman.
Virginia was able to stay at home and “raise the ‘kids” where she loved cooking and always making everyone, family/friends and strangers feel welcome and at home. Ginny loved people, she saw the good and beauty in all, was always friendly, with a kind word and gentle spirit. She spent her years volunteering for many organizations in the community; the First Baptist Church of Montana, (where she was a lifelong member), a member and past President of P.E.O. Chapter AA, Lily of the Valley O.E.S., St. Peter’s Hospital Association, Friendship Force, Mended Hearts, Home Economists and an MSU Alumni lifetime member. She and Jim were both actively involved in the Lewis and Clark Chapter of the American Red Cross. They also enjoyed traveling extensively in their retirement. Family dinners and get-togethers were her favorite times along with family picnics and camping trips when she was young and family holiday celebrations more recently. She loved their 50th, 60th and 65th wedding celebrations. We would have celebrated her 90th birthday on April 2nd and their 68th wedding anniversary on
April 4, 2013.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Bernice (Howell) Brumfield. Survivors include her husband James F. (Jim), her children and their families as well as her very special nieces and nephews, Virginia Rodriguez and Barbara Zeigler Seibert, Rick Brumfield and Beau Barfknecht. Mom’s positive attitude, contagious energy, warm smile, family dedication and spiritual devotion were always present. She cherished her family, her friends and her church. She endured a number of health issues in her lifetime but always considered herself “the lucky one”. She lived life to the fullest and blessed the lives of many others with her selflessness, caring, generosity and unconditional love. She was an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service celebrating Virginia’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home; 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the memorial service in the social hall at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials in Virginia’s name are suggested to First Baptist Church; 201 8th Ave, Helena, the American Red Cross, 1300 28th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405, or The Montana Military Museum, PO Box 125, Fort Harrison, MT 59636.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Tuesday March 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday March 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
1:30 P.M.
Tuesday March 5, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, MT 59634
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 am
Tuesday March 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday March 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
1:30 P.M.
Tuesday March 5, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, MT 59634
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T Alston says
I am sorry for your loss. May you rely on God during this difficul time. He is near to those broken at heart and those crushed in spirit he saves (Psalm 34:18). He promises that one day death will be no more (Isaiah 25:8 and Revelation 21:3,4) He also lovingly provides us with the hope of seeing our loved ones again by means of the resurrection (Isaiah 26:19 and John 5:28,29) May these spromises bring you comfort and hope becuase it is impossible for God to lie. (Hebrews 6:18)
Pat Downs says
Virginia was a dear lady and she will be missed for that lovely laugh, her good nature and her true love of life. I am so sorry, my thoughts are with you today Jim.
Susie Wolcott says
Ginny was one of the most positive and thoughtful people I ever new.
Carol Kirkland says
Kay and family….my sincere condolences. I met Virginia while we were both recuperating from leg surgery at Cooney. She was so much fun to be around I wanted to stay. Talk about sunny disposition. All the things I heard from Nan were true….Virginia was a terrific person. So sorry for your loss. Carol Kirkland
Josh & Florence Liston says
I have wonderful memories of Virginia. I always enjoyed her smile and laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Joni Hantz says
We were so sorry to hear about Ginny. My boys always felt like she was their extra grandmother. She was just so kind and always had a smile. Ginny was genuinely interested in everyone’s story. She will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Jim and the Barfknecht family,
Please accept our sincere condolences during your time of loss. Virginia was a lovely lady and we always so appreciated her infectious smile and positive attitude. She will surely be missed, truly on of God’s angels here on earth! You are in our hearts and prayers.
Londa Routzahn Burns says
Dear Jim and the Barfknecht family,
I am so sorry about your mom. She was the sweetest person, always kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Mary Pat Tuss says
My sis ter Sharon called me to let me know about Ginny. She was a great woman and I always enjoyed our visits even though they were few and far between. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sal Ippolito says
Mrs. B exuded the love of God. What a wonderful life, well-lived and all for the benefit of others. Thank you, Mrs. Barfknecht. Enjoy your play in the fields of the Lord! We love you.
Marcia, Carrie, and John Wild says
Barf and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Ginny. We have all lost a wonderful person, and my mother’s best friend. Our thoughts are with you.
Lue Balkema says
Jim & family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Ginny was such a help to me when John & I first
moved to Helena. I will never forget her kindness and friendliness. She endured many
illness through the years I knew her but she was always upbeat. I had such a nice visit
with her when I sat next to her at the retirees dinner last summer. My thoughts and
prayers go out to all of you.
Mike and Callie Langohr says
Mrs. Barfnecht was a wonderful person and good friend of the Langohr family. She will be remembered fondly by all that knew her as always upbeat, cheerful and resilient. Our best to the entire Barfknecht family.
Bozeman was a better place when the likes of the College Hill Grocery were in operation.
Julie Maloney says
Jim & Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Ginny! I’ve loved her as well as all of you all my life and feel so blessed that you were some of my first neighbors. Ginny always had a smile on her face, full of peace, cheerful, full of life and grace radiated from her everytime I was fortunate enough to see her even if only for a moment.
I have many loving memories throughout my life of Ginny as well as the family. She will be missed but never forgotten. May you find peace in your memories and her undying love for you all.
My thoughts, prayers and love to you all.
Nancy Morgan says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories help you through these difficult days.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Nancy Morgan
Jeanne and Dale Schillinger says
Barf and family: My deepest and most sincere condolences. I am so sorry to hear about Ginny’s passing. She was the kindest, friendliest, most cheerful person I have known. I will always cherish my memories of her taking us on outings to the lake, skiing in Bozeman and swimming at the hot springs in Boulder, and making sure we were comfortable, having fun (we always were!) and that we had our vegetables! I will so miss seeing her at the annual pig roasts. She was a wonderful, dear treasure. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeanne
Bill & Sue Thode says
We were so glad we stopped by this last summer for a quick visit! We will miss her positive outlook on life, an inspiration to both of us. God bless.
Bill & Sue
Victoria Glass says
Jim, Kay & Dee
Now we all have lost our dear mothers, what beautiful memories we have of them. I will always remember the good times at the Barfnecht house. Living across the street from you and going to your house for cookies and milk and your mom always laughing and smiling and a quick hug. She came to visit my mom when she was in the hosptial and Virginia looked so good and had her loving smile on! I’m glad I got to know you all and had those years on Breckenridge together. May you know that I will have you in my prayer’s and may you find comfort from the Bible of the resurrection that we will once again see our mothers right here on earth. (John 5: 28 & 29)
Victoria
Darla Ewer says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jim. It was such a pleasure and an honor to have worked with and learned from you and Virginia with the American Red Cross. She was a delightful person whose warm heart and loving ways touched many lives including mine. Blood donors and staff loved her! She will be missed by many. God Bless You and your family Jim, until you are reunited! With deepest sympathy.
Sandi 'Coyle' Benson says
Dee, Know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you endure such a great loss. May all of you find peace and understanding in the days ahead. “God Bless”
Diana Talcott says
Dear Jim, Kay, Jim and Dee and your families, I do remember the weekends at Harley Creek and Wolf Creek and the many other visits our families had. Good memories. Ginny’s smile and laughter will be remembered always. My heart is with you all.
Sharon Pielaet says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ginny was such a special lady. She always had a lovely smile on her face and such a positive attitude. I loved to hear about the times Mom and Dad spent with Ginney and Jim. They were all such good friends. Jim, my heart goes out to you especially. I know what a void this leaves. My love to you all!!
Megan & Alden Pielaet says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. My heart is with you all at this time. Ginny is the one friend of grandma’s I will never forget ( and Jim obviously) . All our love.
Susan Smart says
My life, and the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to have known her, were truly enriched and blessed by Virginia. What a shining example of a life well-lived. I’ll miss her beautiful smile and cheerful positive attitude. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Susan Smart
Art & Clara Gilreath says
Ginny was the most sweet and kind person always with a smile on her face. Our thoughts and prayers go to Jim and the entire family. She will be missed.
Karen (Roberts) Johnston says
To the Barfknecht family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It has been a long time since I lived in Helena, but I do remember Virginia – her wonderful laugh and personality. She was so much fun to be around, and I feel so fortunate to have known her.
Sincerely,
Karen (Roberts) Johnston (sister to Jack Roberts)
Lorry Parriman says
Mrs. B, as you all know, was my second mom. She raised me from high school age when my parents moved away from Helena. I was so lucky to have known the entire Barfknecht family. All the trips we took together where their generousity was over the top! Every visit to her house always included a hot meal and treats. Her sweetness and compassion instilled goodness in me. I was always on my best behavior when she was around. I will miss her stories and conversations we had where questions were asked that kept her “in the know”. She was a blessing.
Reene' (Hamer) Milam says
Dee
I was so sorry to hear about your mother. She was always so loving and caring. My mom said whenever they saw each other she always asked about me and my family. I will remember her for smiles and hugs. We are thinking of you and your family!
Alysa Semans says
Dear Jim and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Virginia was a wonderful person and was always so kind and loving towards my family. May God be with you all during this time. God bless and Love, Dustin, Alysa, Nathaniel, and Patrick Semans
Susan Zins says
Jim—-I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Mom’s are pretty special ladies! May all of your fond memories help you through this difficult time. My best to you and your family.
Susan and Rich Zins
Diane Armstrong says
I want to extend my sympathies to Dee. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Ellen Baumler says
Dear Jim and Family,
Virginia was a dear person and I am so fortunate to have known her. She was always so positive and lit up the room when she entered. She was so sweet to call me to touch base every now and then. I will miss her. I know that you will take comfort in the wonderful memories she left behind.
My thoughts and pryers are with you during this time.
Ellen Baumler
Steve & Peggy Harlen says
Mrs. Barf and the rest of your family are such a huge part of our wonderful younger years. She was always so cheerful and welcoming. Hers was truly a life well lived. We know she will be greatly missed. Please know we are thinking about all of you during this difficult time.
Illa Adams says
What a Blessing it is to have had Ginny in our lives, when she walked into a room she brought a ray of sunshine. So sincere, warm and kind to everyone. God Bless you all and know she will never be forgotten.
Kathleen and Richard Ellis says
Dear Jim & Family,
We were so sad to read the news of Virginia’s passing. What a special lady she was and what a perfect partnership you had. It was always such a pleasure to work with you both in your volunteer capacity at the Red Cross. Always a ready smile, no matter what. Always so pleasant and eager to help in any way. So glad we happened upon the two of you a few months back at the Doc’s office. So happy to have seen you again after all these years that we were away. We love you and cherish the time we spent with you and beautiful Virginia!
Lynn says
To the Barfknecht family,
The minute anyone was in Ginny’s presence we felt special. She always embraced and enjoyed life even when dealt physical challenges. My mom Audrey enjoyed all of.their years of friendship and laughs.
Ginny was so very fortunate to have such a kind and caring family who made certain that her last months were in the comfort of her home, spent with Jim and surrounded by love.. Great person, great life, well lived, well loved.
Judi Dahl Foutz says
Virginia and Jim were good friends to my parents Jane and John Dahl. Mom passed away in 1973 and Dad in 1983. I remember as a child Virginia and Jim always so kind and warm.
My prayers go out to Jim and the rest of the family.
Judi Dahl Foutz
Tucson, Arizona
Hal Roys says
Jim
Very best wishes for you and your family. We remember her so well. God bless you especially at this time.
Hal Roys Polson MT