Barbara Malone

Barbara (Jackson) Malone peacefully passed away on October 22, 2024 at the age of 88 in Conrad Montana. Born on March 21, 1936 in Whitehall Montana. Barb spent her younger years along Norwegian Creek near Pony, Montana then moved with her family to Norris to begin working the family ranch. Barb graduated from Harrison High School and continued her education at Montana State Teachers’ College (MSU, Go Cats!) earning a degree in Business Education. She began her teaching career in Virginia City and then went on to teach at Harrison and Grass Range. After landing in Brady and teaching 27 years she retired in 1997. 

 Barbara married her high school sweetheart Michael (Mick) Malone in 1957. This union brought four children - Kathleen Ann, Mary Maureen, Molly Jean and Jay Barry. Mick died in 1977 leaving Barb to single-handedly raise them. Barb shared her work ethic, love of learning and most importantly her sense of humor.

 Despite retiring, Barb continued to be involved in education as a substitute teacher at Conrad High School until her grandsons graduated. During this time, she especially enjoyed cooking lunch for them and the “lunch bunch”. Barb traveled near and far to enjoy her grandchildren's various sporting events or other activities. She especially enjoyed traveling with her grandchildren to take in a play at the Fort Peck Theatre.

 When not chasing after grandchildren she enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and collecting cookbooks. She found pleasure in having coffee at the senior center, breakfast with the ladies at the Home Cafe and especially playing host to the book club.

 Barbara is survived by her children Katie Malone-Barefield (Don) of Bozeman, Maureen Orcutt (Mark) of Conrad, Molly Pasma (Robert) of Fort Shaw and Barry Malone of Conrad; grandchildren Liz Bowen (Pat), Amy Barefield, Andrew Barefield, Tanner Orcutt (LeAnne), Skyler Orcutt (Samantha) and Averi Pasma; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Bette Ballbach and brother Steve Jackson and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and J.Peter and Helen (Reel) Jackson, sister W. Claire Best, husband Michael (Mick) Malone and special friend Dick Kuka 

 The family would like to extend a thank you to Logan Health Extended Healthcare employees for their compassionate care of our mother for the past 5 years.

 In lieu of flowers please make donations to the following: Conrad Transportation and Historical Museum, Pondera Food Pantry or Conrad Public Library. 

 A celebration of life will be held June 28, 2025 at the Presbyterian Church in Conrad.