Barbara Hilstad

Barbara Margaret Gress Hilstad was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 18, 2013, with her daughter and her favorite nurses at her side. Barbara was born June 9, 1920 in Harvey, ND to William and Anna Heintz Gress. Barbara had 19 brothers and sisters. She was raised and educated in Hardin, Montana where she helped with her siblings, worked in her Father's beet fields, and helped cook for the hired hands. Barbara met and married the love of her life, Selmer Hilstad, in Hardin. Barbara and Sam were married on December 14, 1944. They had four children Wilma Yvonne, Selmer Charles, Sonja Barbara, and Jean Louise. Barbara worked at the Becker Hotel in Hardin and helped her husband with their construction business until 1965, until moving to Casper, Wyoming where they owned and operated the "F" Street Service station until retirement. Barbara also worked many years at Woolco Department store until it closed. She and Sam were known in the community for their generosity. If someone was "down and out" they just stopped at "F" Street Service for help and kindness. Barbara was a wonderful seamstress and made quilts and craft items for everyone she loved, especially the newborn babies. She was also a great cook and her family and friends looked forward to her homemade bread, delicious fudge, chocolate popcorn and vegetable soup made from a recipe handed down from her mother. Barbara was a Mother and Grandmother to not only her own children, but others as well. No one was turned away from her home! She loved to sit at her table and share coffee, homemade treats and stories especially with her mail lady Barbara. Barbara loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with her family both by car and plane. Her favorite travel companion after her husband passed was her beloved sister in law, Judy Tragethon. Barbara lived a long and happy life caring for those she loved. Her family was the most important thing to her. She loved to "brag" about her grandchildren! She survived cancer in 1989, and an illness that put her in Hospice in 2008 for 3 months. She lived over 4 years at Shepherd of the Valley, never complaining. She made many friends at Shepherd, both of the residents and the staff. The Doctors predicted she would live until March 2009 and she always said, "I will go when the Good Lord is ready for me." She was right. Her Hospice friend Charlotte visited until the end. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Sam Hillstad, her infant son Selmer, her daughter Sonja, a Great Grandchild, Michael, many sisters, brothers, and family members. Barbara is survived by her daughters Wilma Lee(Eb) of Pennsylvania, Jean Harris (Russ) of Casper, sisters Catherine Schindler, of Hardin, MT, Francis Burnett, of Rocksprings, WY and Marcus Gress (Betty) of Lafayette, CO. 13 Grandchildren, 27 Great-grandchildren, 1 Great Great grandchild, Many nieces, nephew, cousins, relatives and more friends than we can count. Barbara was such a wonderful Mother and Grandmother our hearts are breaking, but we know she is with the family who has gone on before her and is now among God's angels in Heaven.

Service

Tuesday, May 21, 2013 2:00pm

Bustard's Funeral Home

600 CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82601