Barbara DeGroot

Barbara DeGroot (nee Schwingel), age 81, died on Monday, May 29, 2018 in Cut Bank after an extended illness. She was born in Helena on December 10, 1936, to Phyllis (Harrison) and Milton Schwingel. From the age of six on, Barbara resided in Cut Bank, where she also graduated from Cut Bank High School. She went on to receive a Bachelor Degree from the University of Montana, and became a member of the Alpha Phi sorority as well as a loyal, life-long fan of the Grizzlies sporting teams.

She married Willie DeGroot (deceased 1995) who was a famed Grizzly basketball player and beloved coach of the Cut Bank High School Wolves. Barbara taught typing and was the Cheerleading Coach at the same high school. She rarely missed a game and later in life was the person taking tickets at most every home sporting event at the high school.

In addition to her teaching, Barbara enjoyed gardening, and playing bridge regularly.  She also liked traveling around the United States. She remained a fierce fan of the Boston Red Sox throughout her adult life. She was a wonderful wife, aunt, and sister as well.

Barbara is survived by her brother Richard Schwingel and her younger sister, as well as her nieces Kathryn Rosser and Laura Schwingel, and nephew William Schwingel. She has several living step-children as well.

Her resilient spirit and sense of humor will be celebrated at a graveside service on Friday, June 1st at 2 pm at the Crown Hill Cemetery at 107 US Highway 213 N, followed by a reception at the Parkview Senior Center beginning at 3 pm, 715 E. Main Street in Cut Bank.