Barbara Beth DonTigny Shook
On the afternoon of June 28, 2018, Barbara went peacefully to her Heavenly Father while resting in her favorite recliner, with her cat on her lap, at the Lakeview Assisted Living in Colstrip, Montana. Barbara was 87 years old.
Barbara was the second child born to Alphonse and Evelyn (Hanson) DonTigny on August 27, 1930 in Williston, North Dakota
Early years were spent in Williston where her father worked as a contractor. The family moved to Missoula, Montana when she was in high school. After graduating high school, she attended University of Montana in Missoula as an art major. Barbara enjoyed telling about her days of working in the movie theaters selling tickets and was very proud of the time she worked as a clerk in the city offices. Later in life, she opened Kensington Nursery with a neighbor providing a loving environment for many children. Her true joy was in being a homemaker for Neil and loving mother to Paul.
Barbara married Neil Shook May 19, 1952. Her father build their home that they shared until Neil’s passing in July 2017. In November, she moved to Colstrip to be near her son and daughter-in-law. She was very proud of her home and shared stories of the work she and Neil did to help with the building of it. She decorated it with her paintings and many crafty holiday decorations.
She and Neil were members of the St. Paul Lutheran Church and several dance groups including the Accordion Jamboree. Barbara was a lifetime member of Alpha Master of Beta Sigma Phi. She loved to entertain and liked to learn as much as she could about everyone she met.
Paul, her only child, was born January 1956. He was the pride and joy of his parents’ lives. They enjoyed many out-door adventures including hiking, skiing, and river floats with other family members.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Neil, and her older sister Delores. She is survived by her son, Paul, and daughter-in-law, Joan; brothers Byron (Joyce) DonTigny and Jerry (Pat) DonTigny and their families and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice. Graveside service will be held at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Neil. The date is pending currently. Cards or expressions of sympathy can be mailed to P.O. Box 2258, Colstrip, MT 59323. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Special thanks to Dorian Hunter of Lakeview Assisted Living for the beautiful home and loving care during the last months and days of her life. Special thanks to her caregivers Tender, Krista, Cindi, Audrey and Thelma; and Darlene Sanders, P.A. Colstrip Medical Center.
Caring for Barbara during the last years of her life was a joy, a privilege and an honor for her daughter-in-law, Joan, who will truly miss this amazing woman.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1911 Tower Street
Missoula, Montana 59804
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1911 Tower Street
Missoula, Montana 59804
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Clara jo says
So sorry to hear of your Loss Paul and Joan .
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Joan and Paul,
Sorry about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Fritz says
Paul and Joan, I am so sorry for your loss. Paul, I knew your Mom through Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, in Missoula. She was one on my favorite sisters. She always took an interest in me and my family. She was gifted and a very caring person. She will be missed. My sympathy to you all.
Lisa Francis says
Thank you for bringing your mom to ekstroms last season …she and Neil were some of my most favorite customers ..I will always have fond memories of them both ..her always bringing her own flavored creamer ..and always looking classy in yellow…God bless them both
Mary K Richard says
The Shook Family
Although, we’ve never met..I knew your mom, Barbara, through my father Wayne Hanson, cousin to your mom. Your grandmother( Evelyn Hanson )was my grandfather”s (Clarence Hanson”s sister ). I met both here in Missoula. I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. I knew Barb through Beta sigma phi, through my work here in Missoula. Barbara was a special person. When I moved to Missoula she made me feel welcome here, in Missoula. Your mother was loved in this community by those who knew her. May God hold you all in his hands right now. My condolences to your family. Sincerely, Mary Richard
Barbara Tveten says
I am Barb’s cousin & we became close when in our retirement we built a home in Condon on the Swan River. She was a friend as well as a
cousin & her wonderful mind was a joy! She is with her beloved Neil now but my love & sympathy is sent to her son Pail ,his caring wife
Joan, brothers Byron & Jerry. With love & tears, cousin Barb Tveten
Kristy Logan says
Joan and Paul,
I enjoyed working with Barbara and hearing her amazing stories. She always said Joan is a “Peach” and she appreciated all your loving care. She spoke proudly about her husband and Paul. She is enjoying the peace of heaven with her husband now. God bless and help you through your loss. Kristy Logan
Pat Freebury says
116 Northrise Lane
Pat Freebury says
I am a the friend who looked after Betty Shook here in Kalispell for many years. She passed away this week and tonight I remembered about your Mother who I have talked to in the past who lived in Missoula. The phone # was disconnected so I did a search and am so sorry to see she has passed away. Wish I had known to share it with Betty. Betty always spoke highly of your Mother and I am so sorry I didn’t stay in better touch with her. Betty was 91 and had a tough winter with pneumonia, heart fibrillation and she never walked again after breaking her ankle several years ago. I remember when your Dad died and I shared his obituary with Betty. Sincere sympathy for your loss.