Barbara Ellen (Simpson) Huisenga

Barbara Huisenga passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at St. John's Lutheran Home, where she had lived since June 2015.

Barbara was born to Anna and Milton Simpson on April 30, 1927, in Miles City, and grew up on their cattle ranch with her sister, Margaret Ann.

At Montana State College, Barbara met the love of her life, Herman R. Huisenga. They moved to Billings after graduation and founded a family that has now grown to three children, five grandchildren and nine (soon to be 10) great-grandchildren. They were active in PTA, Boy and Girl Scouts, church youth groups, and school activities. Together they founded Huisenga Advertising, and she kept the books for the business.

Barbara served as president of the Billings Junior Woman's Club and was active in women's groups at First English Lutheran Church.

Barbara is survived by her children, Craig Huisenga, Mark (Tamie) Huisenga and Debra (Gary) Schulz; her grandchildren, Joshua (Sayoko) Huisenga, Christel (Matthew) Meyer, Peter Huisenga, Joel (Emily) Schulz and Sarah (Caleb) Baker; and her great-grandchildren; Jackson, Ken, Jonah, Tucker, Aurora, Levi, Ivy, Kaiden and Nevaeh.

We give thanks to all of her friends for their support and especially to the staff of St. John's Lutheran Home for their loving care and support.

Funeral services for Barbara will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at First English Lutheran Church, 1243 N. 31st St.

Memorial gifts may be given in Barbara's name to St. John's Lutheran Home or First English Lutheran Church.