Traci Baum

Traci Baum, 50, of Billings passed away April 1st peacefully in her home.

She was born on April 27th, 1958 in Glendive, Montana, the daughter of Sharon and Ted E. Amsbaugh. The family moved to Broomfield, Colorado in 1960 and she graduated from Broomfield High School in 1976. She attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she met her husband Steve and was president of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Traci and Steve were married in 1981 in Denver and in 1982 she completed her degree in pharmacy. Before moving to Billings in 1993, she worked as a clinical pharmacist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the VA Hospital in Iowa City, and the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda. After relocating, she continued working as a pharmacist with At Home Solutions in Billings until last year.

Traci enjoyed quilting, reading, playing tennis, photography, and was more than happy to teach and share her skills with those around her. She was a talented seamstress and delighted in making everything from incredible Halloween costumes for the kids to soccer scrunchies for the little girls she coached to altering formal dresses for her girls and their friends. She was an active volunteer in the community, and loved to help those in need. She took particular satisfaction in tutoring at Arrowhead Elementary and enjoyed volunteering in the dean's office at West High School. Traci looked forward to playing tennis with the ladies and cherished the birthday luncheons that they held. In the last few years she developed a passion for digital photography, and could easily spend hours photographing her environment and family alike.

Family and friends were the love of Traci's life, and she made sure that her door was always open to whoever stopped by, including all of her adopted children, the friends of her own kids. She always enjoyed the happy noise of teenagers visiting in the kitchen. Traci was a caring, outgoing person with a great sarcastic sense of humor. She cherished most spending time with her family, whether at home or on vacation. She was a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church, regularly attending services with her father and growing in her faith.

Traci is survived by her father Ted; son Jeff; daughters Lara and Katie; Irish daughter Roisin; and husband Steve. She is preceded in death by her brother Clay and mother Sharon.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Traci's life will be held at St. Stephens Episcopal Church on Tuesday, April 7th at 1:00 PM with a reception and gathering to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or to United Blood Services in her name.

Traci, You were on of the most special individuals i have ever come across. Thank you for being there for me and for being my adoptive mom for so long. You will be sorely missed. Thank you for being such a special person and you will always remain in my thoughts and prayers forever. I am so lucky to have spent so much time with you and your great family. Love forever Roisin Mahon

Traci You will always be remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being a wonderful person. Sending you all our love and prayers Eiblin Mahon & Family

To the loved ones of Traci, though I did not know her or your family….I was so moved by the passion and devotion with which she seemed to live her life. It is so plain to see she was loved and gave so much love and life to those around her. My sympathy to all of you.

Steve, Jeff, Lara and Katie~ I pray with all my heart that God will put his arms around all if you in a loving embrace and help you through this time. Traci was such a beautiful person, I (we) all enjoyed working with her on different projects for over 15 years! I too loved so much her great sense of humor and how she could make you feel so at ease and relaxed in a matter of minutes…she felt like an old friend to me from the first time I met her. She will be missed by so many~ God bless all of you Love Tiff Davidson-Blades

Dear Steve, Jeff, Lara, Katie, and Ted, We are so shocked and saddened to hear about Traci’s sudden death. My last memory of Traci was at the medical scholarship committee meeting for YVMSA reviewing high school applicants. Traci’s input and opinions about the young students interested in studying pharmacy was insightful and valuable. We are overseas and unable to express our sympathy in person. Please know that we are thinking of all of you. Cindy and Traci had a special bond through their connections with Ted and Fran (Cindy’s Mom). Kevin, Brian and Jeff spent hours together in sports and school activities. Megan and Katie have been best friends since pre-school. Lara was our babysitter. We will always be connected through friendship, families and our labs Chip and Dale!!

Traci was a wonderful mother, a forever friend for our kids. She was so talented, so upbeat in spirit. We will remember her, always. Regretfully, we will not return in time for the memorial service, but we will be there in our thoughts and prayers. Steve and Cindy – Erin, Sarah, Shannon & Chris, Kevin, Brian, Megan and Colleen.

Dear Steve, Jeff, Lara, Katie, Murray, Dana, Dylan, And I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. It was only a couple of weeks ago that Dana said Traci had stopped to talk him at one of his work sights and I told him that was how Traci truely was. She always wanted to know how our hockey boys were. I also had many talks with Traci at my work, Blanco Blanco and we had lots of laughs talking about old hockey days. Her smile will will be deeply missed. We are only a phone call away!! Many Blessings To You, Jan, Murray, Dana, Dylan, Brumwell

Steve and family, We just wanted to express our deepest condolences and let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bobbi Anner-Hughes and Ed Hughes

Steve, Jeff, Lara, and Katie, I just wanted to extend my sympathies at the loss of Tracy; your wife and mom. She was a fierce and loving mother and I was honored to have known her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember her at the soccer fields cheering for her children. Sincerely, Lori Redpath New Orleans, LA

Steve, Jeff, Lara & Katie, We were very saddened to to learn of Traci’s passing. This world has lost a very giving person and we share in the pain of your loss. In your time of sorrow please hold your memories close and remember that Traci has left a positive footprint in our community that leaves all of us enriched. That is a Legacy that will live for generations to come. Love and Continued prayers from our Family to yours The Cunningham’s Tom, Sherri, Geoff, Connor, Jordan

Dear Steve, Jeff, Laura and Katie, I have cut your moms, and wifes hair for many years and I always enjoyed her encouragement with raising my boys. It seemed as tho your home was always open to many. Traci was so proud of you. I can hear her saying leave it to Katie for saying what’s on her mind. Being the youngest I know why God made you strong. We never forget the love and lessons from whom we love . May God give you peace and surround you with special people as you go on. Lenita Martinson

I want to express my sympathy during these difficult times. May the Lord bless all of you and give you strength. I know that your mom is an angel and will be watching over you. Please know that you are surrounded by many of us that will help you in any way and we all are praying for all of you. God bless you, Genevieve Polkowske, Sra. P.

Steve, so sorry for your loss. Traci was a good tennis friend and I will always remember her smile! Judy Hooks

Dear Ted, kids and husband, I grew up on the same block with the Amsbaugh family in Broomfield. I was also the occasional babysitter for Clay and Traci. They were both great kids. We played all the typical games as kids–kick the can, war, hide ‘n’ seek. They also had the coolest dog named “Dort” (I think he was a german shorthair). It has been many years since I last saw any of the family. It sounds like Traci touched the lives of many in a very loving way. My sincere condolences, Bob Most Hudson, Colorado

Ted, Words cannot express the sorrow we felt when we heard about Traci. It is so unbelievable that those two little girls, (Gina and Traci) who spent so much time together from two years old, are both gone. Please know that you and Traci’s family are in our thoughts and our prayers. God be with you. Old Broomfield friends Bill and Ruth Most

Steve and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Traci. Mary Ann had e-mailed us, but she didn’t know we had a new e-mail address until later. May God bless you all. You are in our prayers. Tom & Jamie Printz

My name is Traci Baum and I am in my 50th year. In doing a google search on myself, I was emotionally stunned to find this obituary, and felt moved to offer my most heartfelt condolences on your loss. I too love reading, photography, teaching (I homeschool) and, my family. I am reminded that our time is not guaranteed, and to leave a legacy of joy and kindness. Respectfully, Traci Baum.

Mr. Amsbaugh, You may not remember me but I remember playing with Traci and Clay at your home in Broomfield. The all the good times my parents had with you and Mrs. Amsbaugh at the church. You were both great friends to them. I don’t drive from Lafayette to Broomfield on 287 that I don’t think of Clay. For some reason even though I have not seen you or your family in years I often think of you. I was sorry to read about Traci’s and Sharon’s passing. It sounds like Traci was a fantastic person that was loved by so many. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Traci’s family at this time. Love to you all – Ruth Anne Carlisle (Trowbridge) Westminster, Colorado

Dear Baum & Amsbaugh Families, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Traci and I had e-mailed a couple of times last October & November regarding Amsbaugh family history, but then we both got caught up in holidays, trips, etc. She had mentioned how she was just getting started in genealogy, had been to different places in Bottineau, still had cousins in the area, and was looking forward to going over some of the new information she had with her father. From all I have read in her obituary, the remembrances, and our couple of emails, she sounds like a wonderful person who has left a large number of people with great memories. My thoughts are with you all. Rick Amsbaugh Plymouth, MI