Barbara Roberts

Funeral Service for Barbara Roberts, 68, of Huntley Project, will be 1:30 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2020 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with Pastor Dave Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in Bonnievale Cemetery. Visitation for Barbara will be one hour prior to service.

Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Barbara J. Roberts passed away Saturday morning, September 19th, while receiving hospice care at her daughter’s home in Huntley, Montana. She was a prior resident of Wibaux, Baker, and Plevna.

Barb was born October 13, 1951, to William “Billie” Geving and Esther (Thompson) Geving Hartse, in Bowman, ND. She was raised on the Geving farm along with her two brothers until moving in to the town of Plevna. On August 18, 1972, she married Butch Roberts. Together they raised two children, Patsy and Ron. A caring woman known for her love of family and her faith, she often said that she most enjoyed her work as a wife, mother, and homemaker.

In addition to her work in the home, Barb attended beauty school after graduating from Plevna High School in 1969. She then worked as a beautician, ranch wife, and was the owner/operator of Baker Dry Cleaners. She went to college at the age of 36, and graduated in 1991, with honors, from Montana State University with two degrees: Elementary Education and Family & Consumer Science. She then worked as an educator, bookkeeper, and most recently as a Program Director for Action for Eastern Montana. A kind and uplifting friend to many, she always found the good in people.

In addition to spending time with family, Barb enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, and was active in her church community. Barb loved music and played the piano. She had a beautiful singing voice and sang in many choirs. She enjoyed entertaining and having houseguests over for a game of pinochle. She loved children and especially cuddling babies. She had a caring heart for people going through difficulties, and also for any animal in need. She showed strength through her painful back condition.

Barb and Butch lived and worked all over Montana, and in North Dakota, and lived in many beautiful areas. Together, they enjoyed exploring new places, attending horse shows and traveling. After retirement, they moved to Oakley, CA, to spend time with their son and his family. While there, Barb enjoyed attending her granddaughters’ activities and sharing her cooking skills.

Barb is survived by Butch Roberts, her husband of 48 years; daughter Patsy (Clint) Croy; son Ron (Kaci) Roberts; two grandsons Travis (Erika) Croy and Drew Croy; two granddaughters Mandi Roberts and Reese Roberts; great granddaughter Skylar Croy (expected in November); brother John (Dee Dee) Geving; sister-in-law Deb Roberts; and her dear Hartse step-family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Billie & Esther; her brother Keith Geving.

In lieu of flowers, please give support to someone in need, as Barb would have done.

-When I am gone, I hope it can be said of me that I plucked a thistle and planted a flower wherever I thought a flower would grow -