After a nine-month battle with cancer, Barbara Ann Lockman passed away at the age of 59 in Laurel, Montana on September 14, 2015 surrounded by family.
Barb was born the fifth of six children to Lyle “Curly” and Hazel (Craigie) Lockman on July 7, 1956 in Poplar, Montana. She graduated from Poplar High School in 1974 and continued on to Montana State University in Bozeman where she was a member of Alpha Omega Pi Sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1979.
Barb returned home to Poplar where she worked as the physical education teacher at Poplar Schools. Barb then moved to Sidney and worked as the Sidney Middle School librarian. She then moved to Helena where she resided and served as a Helena Middle School librarian and a driver’s education instructor.
Barb returned home to north of Poplar every summer, where she enjoyed working on the family farm, taming barn cats, seeking out treasures at garage sales and auctions, and spending time with her family and friends.
Barb was a wonderful daughter, beloved sister, and favorite “auntie” to her nieces and nephews. To her family and friends Barb was a beloved burst of energy, always there to love and serve with fierce devotion, to fill their lives with mischievous smiles and humor, and to instill in her nieces and nephews a deep love of nature, adventure, and lifelong learning. Her beautiful spirit has had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of her family and friends and she is deeply cherished and missed by all whom were blessed to know and love her.
Barb was preceded in death by her father Curly. She is survived by her mother Hazel and five siblings: Michael Lockman of Poplar, Donald (Carmen) Lockman of Brockton, Carol (David) Simensen of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Russell (Julie) Lockman of Denver, Colorado, and Susan (Michael) Vennes of Laurel. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar on Monday, September 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Father John Osom officiating. A private family interment will take place at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Barb’s name may be made to the Poplar Community Hospital or a charity of their choice.