Barbara Ann Tiedje Alonzo, 91, passed away Jan. 2 in Missoula.

She was born in Valley City, N.D., on July 28, 1933, the only child of Merville and Lillian Tiedje. She spent much of her childhood in Livingston with aunts, uncles and cousins, until her father purchased the Coast to Coast store in Polson and the family relocated there.

Barbara graduated from Polson High School in 1951, then attended Western Montana College in Dillon, graduating with a teaching degree. There she met and began a lifelong loving relationship with Johnny Alonzo, who became her husband for over 70 years.

After John's time in the Army while Barbara taught in Glendive, they reunited in Missoula where they started their family and continued their careers in education.

Following her father's untimely and early death, Barbara took care of her mother for more than 45 years.

She was truly a remarkable woman. Wanting a dozen children, she settled on six, and she handled the large family with ease, grace and patience. Our home was always full of activity and fun, and there was always room for an extra at the dinner table.

She loved to entertain, and our holidays were filled with traditions and memories. She was actively involved and supported us in every way. A talented seamstress, she created beautiful clothing and gifts for her children and friends.

Summers were spent at her cherished family cabin at Whiskey Cove, Flathead Lake, where friends became family over s'mores at the campfire.

Barbara had a long and successful teaching career spanning more than four decades. Her students, co-workers, parents and administrators at Target Range meant the world to her, and many maintained contact with her over the years. 

She was actively involved in ADK, an honorary teacher's sorority, the 5-Valley Reading Association, The Ronald McDonald House, the Missoula Carousel, and her church. She loved her bridge group and her lunches at the mall with dear friends. She maintained her family and friendships by planning reunions that kept us all close.

With her retirement came the blessings of a dozen grandchildren, and she rarely missed an opportunity to support them. The generations continued with seven great-grandchildren, and Barbara felt even more blessed.

All family gatherings were held at her home on Gunsight Court, and she looked forward to them with enthusiasm and joy. She also became more involved in her community endeavors, her wood carving, her travels, and caring for her beautiful homes, surrounded by special neighbors that became family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, and son Tom.

She is survived by her loving husband, John; her children, Jeani (Gary) Adams, Nick (Sue) Alonzo, Joni (Chuck) McNeil, Chris Alonzo, and Juli (John) Yobst; her grandchildren, Jace (Emilie), Maria, Bethany, Cody (Madelynn), Dylan, Brock (Erin), Taylor, John, Isabel, Zachary, Molli and McCoy; and her great-grandchildren, Bodie, Ellison, Lucy, Elliot, Laine, Apoline and Blaise, with another on the way; and her dear friend, Laurie Bryn.

Barbara lived a wonderful life filled with fun, activity and family. Throughout, she was a source of strength and love for us all. She will be missed so much.

A celebration of her life will be held at her cabin at Flathead Lake this summer.