Barbara Lauwers

Barbara Lauwers passed peacefully in the early morning hours of April 14, 2016. Barbara, known as Jean to her family, was the first of two daughters born to George and Genevieve Bierly in Gary, Ind., on Sept. 3, 1933. The family was later blessed with her younger sister, Beverly June.

Mom enjoyed her younger years, spending many summers in Hedgesville, Mont., visiting her grandparents' homestead. During those summers, she befriended Alma Lauwers. Little did Mom know at that time Alma's brother, Mandell, would have a greater impact on her life. After graduating from high school, she moved to Montana, where she worked as a telephone operator, until she married Dad on Sept. 27, 1952. To this union were born the six of us children: Ronald (Allyson), Wayne (JoAnn), Dave (Cindy), Debbie (Loren) Herlyn, Tom (Margie), Sandy Ogden; 14 grandkids: Theresa (Tom) Bronson, Matt, Brian (Sadie), Jos, Steve (Jessica) Justin (Jeni) Herlyn, Kendra Herlyn, Adam (Kayla), Derek (Nicole), Gwynn (Jordan) Pehler, Kevin, Ken Ogden, Amy Ogden; 12 great-grandkids: Colin Bronson, Leah Bronson, Madison, Austin, Lexi, Gavin, Rowen, Maxwell Hight, Addyson Herlyn, Brinley, Dylan Deines, Abby Deines.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Mandell "Del"; granddaughter Heather Lauwers Schlomer (Ron, Allyson); and son-in-law Rich (Sandy).

Mom's life was devoted to her husband, children and church family. When the last of us kids were in school, Mom once again joined the workforce as a "Lunch Lady" in the Billings West High Cafeteria. She retired from there after many years to devote her time and love to the next generation of her family. She was an easy person to love and will be greatly missed by not only her family but her church family and many others whose lives she touched.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Moorberg Cottage and Senior Independence Home Care Services, at St. John's Lutheran Ministries; Miranda, FNP; Danielle, FNP; and her extended church family for the loving care and companionship.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Shiloh United Methodist Church, St. John's Lutheran Ministries Foundation or charity of one's choice.

A celebration of Barbara's life and love will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Shiloh Methodist Church, 1810 Shiloh Road. There will also be a viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave.