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Barbara Ellen Schafer

Barbara Ellen Schafer, 61, beloved mother and sister, passed away on Jan. 6, 2014, at her home in Wasilla, Alaska. She died of natural causes. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Benton, Mont.

Barb was born and raised on a family farm north of Havre, Mont.  She had a deep love for farm life and horseback riding. Barb graduated from Havre High School in 1971 and graduated from Northern Montana College with a degree in elementary education.

She taught first grade at Fort Shaw Elementary School after graduation and the community embraced her and her gentle ways. She loved teaching and adored her kids. Barb touched and influenced so many people in that valley, and they in turn were always very supportive of her during her times of illness. These people were like her second family, and they meant the world to her.

Barb moved from Fort Shaw to Fort Benton in 1994 where she lived until 2007. While in Fort Benton she was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. She was an avid knitter and even taught some classes in knitting at the high school. Many family members and friends have been lucky recipients of some of her beautiful prize-winning hand-made creations.

Barb moved to Wasilla, Alaska, in 2007 to be near her daughter and son-in-law, Krista and James Rangitsch and their son Chason.  "Granny Barb" and Chason had a special connection and both cherished their time together.  

Barb is survived by her daughter, Krista (James) Rangitsch of Anchorage, Alaska, and their son Chason.  She is also survived by her siblings, Kathy Bessette of Havre, Jim (Allyson) Schafer of Fort Collins, Colo., Jean (LaMond) Duffin of Fort Smith, Ark., Joan Schafer of Fort Benton, Mont., Mimi (Tom) Heydon of Fort Benton, Mont., Pam (Ken) Nugent of Warrensburg, Mo., and Pat (Brad) Nemitz of Ulm, Mont. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Barb was preceded in death by her father, Alvin T. Schafer; and mother, Frances H. Schafer.

 

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