Barbara Mann

Born Barbara Jean Burland to Frank and Olivine Burland in Polson MT on January 29th, 1939. Barb was the oldest of 8 children with one older half-brother, French Burland who preceded her in death along with both her parents, brother Sunny Burland, and sister Janice Durant. Barbara is survived by her remaining siblings Florence Gehring, Dick Burland, Betty Hernandez, Sherry Whiting, and Marilyn Howell.

Barbara spent her early childhood in Hot Springs Montana attending her first few years of school there until the family moved to Blue Bay, she spoke fondly of her days there playing in the lake, her dad ran a sawmill and she attending grade school in Polson. The Family then moved to their long-time residence up on the mountain in Ronan. Barbara graduated High School from Ronan in 1957 and then enrolled in Business School in Missoula.

She had her oldest son, Tracy Burland in 1959, and then meet and married Homer Piedalue. She was married to Homer for 25 years. Homer had 2 previous children Dana Piedalue and Terry Piedalue, and then together they had 8 more kids, making a total of 11 children. Barb was preceded in death by her 1st Husband Homer Piedalue in 2003 and her children: Daughter Shelly Piedalue at the age of 4 in 1971. Sons Lyle Piedalue age 24 in 1986, Tim Piedalue age 59 in 2022, and Dale Piedalue age 55 in 2023. She is survived by her Current Husband of 22 years Rodrick Mann. And Her remaining Children Tracy Burland, Mike Piedalue, Chris (Melanie) Piedalue, Gayla (Jesse) Lytton, and Ryan Piedalue. Barbara had numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Barbara and Homer resided on the Piedalue Ranch south of Ronan and raised their children. Barb cooked for the hands, and enjoyed her large gardens. Upon selling the family ranch Barbara and Homer move the family closer to town. Barbara began working outside the home, first at the Westside Rest Home and then the Hospital in Ronan. Barbara and Homer divorced and she then went on to work at SKC, at which time she was briefly married to Jerry Oie. She took classes at SKC and proudly recalled working as Joe McDonalds secretary. She continued working for the tribes at Mission Valley Power and finally for the Forestry Department. Barbara was a tribal member and was proud to of worked for the tribes for 41 years, only to retire in September of this year at the age of 86. When asked why she didn’t retire sooner she often gave the reason that she loved people and her work gave her purpose.

Barbara was diagnosed in July of this year with Cancer, sadly her cancer progressed rapidly. She spent her final day in Polson at The Retreat, where the staff lovingly cared for her.

Barb was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, her memorial will be held at the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Polson, Monday, December 15, 2025 burial at Ronan Cemetery and Reception to follow at Tribal Senior Center in Ronan.

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