A typically almost empty council chamber was filled with a crowd last Tuesday, deservedly to honor St. Ignatius community cornerstones Barb and Gary Plouffe.

During the St. Ignatius Town Council meeting on Jan. 13, St. Ignatius Police Chief Jason Acheson presented the 2025 Citizens of the Year award to the Plouffes. Barb and Gary have served their community their entire lives. From public service careers to now volunteering, they work “not for recognition, but because they care,” Acheson said as he presented the award.  

Barb moved to town in 1971 and worked at the small Holy Family Hospital in St. Ignatius as a licensed practical nurse. She went back to school to become a registered nurse and ended up at St. Luke’s Hospital in Ronan. She later went to work for Tribal Health for 27 years.  

Her husband, Gary, was born and raised in Mission. He worked for Stuart's Hometown Auto and ran his business, Plouffe Disposal. Now both retired, they still have a servant's heart, serving within both the senior center and food pantry.  

Barb has served as chairman of the St. Ignatius Senior Center for 11 years and as vice chairman of the Mission Food Pantry. Both Barb and Gary help with Wednesday evening meals, afternoon lunches, Saturday Bingo, and the yearly bake sales.  

“Barb is there day after day, quietly ensuring that the doors stay open, the meals are served, and no one is forgotten,” Acheson said. “And standing faithfully beside her every step of the way is her husband, Gary. Together, Barb and Gary are partners in service, leadership and heart.”  

Gary helps deliver meals to homebound residents, and they both transport food pantry shipments from Ronan to nearby communities. Barb is also involved in the local Methodist church.  

Barb explained that when Acheson showed up to present them with the news, they thought, “What did we do?” Once he gave them the letter, she said they were in disbelief. Barb and Gary had nominated another member of the community and never thought anyone had considered nominating them.  

Acheson created the St. Ignatius Citizen of the Year award last year and has been working on kicking off this project for some time. Along with Darren Orr, the police chief gathered donations from the local community to fund the purchase of the plaque and to provide some gifts to the nominees. Valley Banks sponsored the plaque, and Barb and Gary received multiple gift cards and donations from local businesses.  

Orr was also a nominee, and Acheson presented him with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the town. 

    Darren Orr was recognized at last week's council meeting with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the St. Ignatius community. (Emily Messer/Leader)