BARBARA JEAN (GILMOND) HIGLE

Barbara Jean Higle, 73, passed through the “Gates of Heaven” on March 16, 2021 while in the loving arms of her soulmate Jack Higle at her home in Eureka, Montana.  She was born on April 15, 1947 in Whitefish, Montana to Wilfred “Bunny” and Anita Marie Gilmond.

Barb spent all her years in Eureka, Montana. After graduating in the top of her class from Lincoln County High School in 1965, she went on to study at Kinman Business School in Spokane, Washington. She immediately went to work at First National Bank of Eureka upon completion.

On September 3rd, 1966 she married the love of her life Jack Higle. They would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this fall. Through the years they owned and operated Higle Construction. 

In 1969 she earned her favorite job of becoming a mother to twin girls, Angela and Christine.  A year later another beautiful daughter arrived, Marcie. Barb was a fiercely dedicated mom to all of her children, raising them to go on to accomplish great things. Over the years her daughters gave her 12 grandkids and 3 great grandkids. Barb loved her girls and said the only thing better than being a mother was being a grandmother and if she would have known she would have had them first. Her grandkids were everything to her, she did not miss any sporting event, dance recital or banquet. “Grammy” was loved to the moon and back by all of her grandkids.

She enjoyed spending time at the lake, time in her flower gardens and crocheting gifts for family members. Every chance she got she would be found playing cards with whomever she could con into playing. Her home was filled with warmth and kindness to all family members and friends.  She always said the more the merrier. Barb loved to cook food and it filled her with pride in giving to others. One of her favorite stories to tell was the time she made 24 chicken fried steaks for her kid’s friends. Family came first and was above all else to Barb, a value she instilled in all those around her. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.

Barb is survived by her husband, Jack Higle of Eureka, MT;   daughters, Angela Higle of Dunedin, FL; Christine Berke (Jeff) of Las Vegas, NV; and Marcie Macura (spouse Ken) of Kalispell, MT;  6 grandsons, Justin, Brayden, Hunter, Trey, Tristan and Gauge; 5 granddaughters, Shea, Karli, Jodi, Kaydee, and Lexey; and 3 great grandchildren, Raylee, Adilynn, and Ross.

She is preceded in death by her father “Bunny” Gilmond, mother Anita Gilmond, brother Gordon Gilmond and her grandson Donavon Macura.  Barb was convinced her loving grandson Donavon would be waiting for her at the “Gates of Heaven” with his arms wide open.

At Barbs request no services will be held.  Heaven gained another Angel. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Eureka.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.