Barbara Jean Sorenson

Barbara Jean (Ziegler) Sorenson passed away at Billings Clinic on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, following a brief illness.

Barbara was born in Billings on Sept. 4, 1938, to Harriet (Banks) and Bill Ziegler of  Laurel. She grew up in Laurel; Cody, Wyoming; and Billings, graduating from Billings Senior in 1956 as a National Merit Scholar. She attended the University of Washington for two years and worked in Seattle for a time before returning to complete her degree at EMC.

Barbara began her career in education, teaching English at Cody High School. Following two years there and her marriage to Glenn Sorenson, she taught a year at Billings Senior and three years in Alberton, Montana, while Glenn completed his degree at UM in Missoula. The couple settled in Bozeman in 1973. Barbara continued to teach English and, after receiving her master’s degree, served as an assistant principal at Bozeman High School. Having been diagnosed with MS in 1966, deteriorating health led to an early retirement in 1990.

Barbara enjoyed listening to music, playing the piano and writing. She and Glenn enjoyed camping with friends and their current Springer.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Harriet and Bill Ziegler; and her in-laws, Ruth and George Rugg. She is survived by her sister, Janet (Allen) Halvor; her stepdaughter Anne Sweeney,  and “meine liebe Schwester” Ilona Beumer. Numerous cousins also survive.

A graveside service will be held in the spring for Barbara and Glenn.