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Official Obituary of

Barbara Anne Henderson

April 13, 1961 ~ March 31, 2024 (age 62) 62 Years Old

Barbara Henderson Obituary

Barbara Anne Henderson, 62, of Polson, MT passed away peacefully on March 31, 2024 after a long illness.

Barbara was born on April 13, 1961 in Mount Vernon, WA to Shirley O'Brien Henderson and William George Henderson, She was the oldest of four children. Barbara spent her childhood in Washington and Montana. She graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1979. She went on to study t the University of Montana in Missoula, MT and earned a BA degree in Business Education and MA degree in Anthropology. She worked at the University of Montana advising students and as a tutor in several school districts.

In 1982, Barbara gave birth to Rachelle "Shelly" Chivon Cobell and raised her in Browning, MT and Missoula, MT. In 2001, Barbara married David Forrest and moved to Utica, NY. With this union, came her son, John Forrest, whom Barbara loved as her own. In 2008, Shelly blessed Barbara with a grandson, Gabriel Cobell-Diate. Gabe was the apple to Barbara's eye, and she was very involved in his early years. In 2014, Barbara moved back to Montana to live with her mom in Charlo and later Polson.

Barbara had a quick-witted sense of humor and made everyone laugh. Her passion about history, politics, and Native American studies drove her to be a continuous leaner so she could engage in heated debates. She volunteered at community food banks and believed in helping others in need.

Barbara is survived by her beloved grandson, Gabriel Cobell-Diate; sisters: Bonnie Hofland (Russ) and Betty Matthews (Tim); nephews: Seth Hofland, Nathaniel (Mandy) Hofland, Chance (Tara) Matthews, Brandon (Shawnee) Matthews, Ty Matthews; great nieces & nephews: Mariah, Robert John Mariana, Rilynn, and Elena Matthews, Orrin Hofland, and a large extended family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter: Rachelle Cobell; her son: John Forrest; her parents: William & Shirley Henderson; her brother: Robert "Bobby" Henderson; and grandparents, Pauline and Leslie "Bud" Henderson and Mabel and Louie O'Brien.

Barbara will be laid to rest at Willow Creek Cemetery in Browning, MT

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