Barbara Ann Reutlinger

Hamilton – Barbara A Reutlinger, 89, of Hamilton passed away Saturday, July 23, 2002, peacefully at home. She was born March 14, 1933, in Scholls, Oregon.  She was the daughter of Ernest Wesley and Artie (Rosenbalm) Nelson.

The family moved to Reedville, Oregon where she started grade school. She rode her bicycle 1-1/2 miles each way to school through the 6th grade. The family moved to Forest Grove Oregon where Barbara attended Forest Grove Union High School.  She was an honor student and first female student body president her senior year. She loved sports and lettered all four years in basketball, softball and field hockey.

Married to Robert B. Reutlinger March 31, 1951, he preceded her in death in 2018. They had three children: Susan, Paul and Kurt. They moved often as Bob worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry. Barbara loved learning. Over the years she took several “by mail” courses as a stay at home mom. She worked as a reporter for the Oregonian, Bend Bulletin and two radio stations in Oregon. In Washington she was the chief editor and writer for the tribal newspaper the Rawhide Press. She represented the Spokane tribe on the state and national level.

When Bob retired, they moved to the island of Moorea in Tahiti.  After 7 years they wanted to go back home and build the log cabin of their dreams in the state of their dreams - Montana.

Barbara was an avid quilter for many years. The walls of her quilting room were covered with all the ribbons she had won. She loved gardening, yard sales and traveling. For many years she joined bowling leagues in several states.

She was a dedicated member of PEO, Chapter AF, and enjoyed being with her friends in the sisterhood.

She served as president of the Republican Women’s clubs in Hamilton. She also served as two-term elected precinct committee-woman on the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents, her sister and best friend Leone and three grandchildren Sean, Troy and Jerad.

Barbara is survived by her children; daughter Susan Buck and husband Brent of Ellenton, FL., son Paul Reutlinger and wife Sherry of Mineola, TX. and son Kurt Reutlinger of Winnemucca, NV.

As she aged her priorities were family, good friends and good memories.

The family wishes to thank Barbara’s caregivers Heidi, Rebecca and Alice for keeping her comfortable during her final days.

Barbara’s final resting place will be in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Barbara requested that

Hospice, Shriner’s Hospital for Children or a charity of your choice.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com. 

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