Barbara Varnes

Barbara J. Varnes Barbara J. “Barb”, “B-MA” Varnes, a life long resident of Billings, worked at Mountain Bell as a switchboard operator and then First Interstate Bank as the Administrative Officer for Correspondent Banking and Business Development until her retirement. Barb was a past President of Landmarks and Bright-n-Beautiful Billings as well as held various board positions for Northern Plains Resource Council and their affiliate, Beartooth Alliance. She also spent endless volunteer hours supporting Northern Plains and Beartooth Alliance's successful efforts to cleanup the McLaren Mine tailings and Soda Butte River drainage, preserving a key waterway to Yellowstone National Park. Cooke City, her summer retirement home, was her passion; she was always involved, striving to keep it the most beautiful place on earth. Barbara, age 79, passed away peacefully in Billings on Tuesday, August 21, 2012. She was born October 1, 1932 in Billings, a daughter of Pete and Elsie (Klein) Honstein. She married John P. Varnes on February 13, 1954. Survivors include a son, Kelly of Billings; a daughter Sara (Jim Martineson) and two grandchildren, Brandon and Melissa of Prospect, Kentucky; a brother, Harold Englin (Shirley) of Mesa, AZ and a sister, Mary Brown of Billings. Barb was loved by many and leaves behind very dear friends; her bank, bridge and NP partners, the “5” Musketeers- Ruth, Sharon, Lorna, Lois and Karen and her Cooke City buddy, Roberta, all with whom she enjoyed many years of wonderful friendship. Brandon and Melissa nicknamed their grandmother, “B-MA”. The name “grandma” wasn't to her liking as it made her feel “old”. All of us who knew Barbara know that with her energy, passion, perseverance and zest for life, she would always be young! A special thank you to the excellent staff of the Horizon Hospice Home and the four ladies who shared their time and companionship. Service: Cremation has taken place and at Barb's request, no services will be held. Cards of condolence may be sent to the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Barb's memory to Northern Plains Resource Council, 220 South 27th Street, Suite A, Billings, Montana 59101 and/or Horizon Hospice Home, c/o Riverstone Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1562, Billings, MT 59103.