After a nine-month battle with cancer, Barbara Ann Lockman passed away at the age of 59 in Laurel, Montana on September 14, 2015 surrounded by family.
Barb was born the fifth of six children to Lyle “Curly” and Hazel (Craigie) Lockman on July 7, 1956 in Poplar, Montana. She graduated from Poplar High School in 1974 and continued on to Montana State University in Bozeman where she was a member of Alpha Omega Pi Sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1979.
Barb returned home to Poplar where she worked as the physical education teacher at Poplar Schools. Barb then moved to Sidney and worked as the Sidney Middle School librarian. She then moved to Helena where she resided and served as a Helena Middle School librarian and a driver’s education instructor.
Barb returned home to north of Poplar every summer, where she enjoyed working on the family farm, taming barn cats, seeking out treasures at garage sales and auctions, and spending time with her family and friends.
Barb was a wonderful daughter, beloved sister, and favorite “auntie” to her nieces and nephews. To her family and friends Barb was a beloved burst of energy, always there to love and serve with fierce devotion, to fill their lives with mischievous smiles and humor, and to instill in her nieces and nephews a deep love of nature, adventure, and lifelong learning. Her beautiful spirit has had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of her family and friends and she is deeply cherished and missed by all whom were blessed to know and love her.
Barb was preceded in death by her father Curly. She is survived by her mother Hazel and five siblings: Michael Lockman of Poplar, Donald (Carmen) Lockman of Brockton, Carol (David) Simensen of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Russell (Julie) Lockman of Denver, Colorado, and Susan (Michael) Vennes of Laurel. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar on Monday, September 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Father John Osom officiating. A private family interment will take place at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Barb’s name may be made to the Poplar Community Hospital or a charity of their choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday September 21, 2015
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street W
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Monday September 21, 2015
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street W
Poplar, Montana 59255
Kevin & Vicky Schindler says
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Ms. Lockman was an excellent drivers ed instructor!
Larry & Lila Lynne says
We just learned today of Barb’s passing. We are very shocked and saddened to hear the news. Our deepest condolences to Hazel and the rest of the Lockman family. The Lockmans have become like family to us over the years. We are hoping to make it to the funeral.
Peg Holwick says
Please accept my sympathy, dear Barbara’s family. I will miss her greatly and will always remember her kind and beautiful soul. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Peg Holwick
Joan Keefer says
So sad to hear of Barb’s passing. I worked with her at the Legion Club in Poplar. She had a fun spirit, I always looked forward to work when she was there. Prayers to you
William Elgie says
Sorry for loss
Nancy Swenson says
My heartfelt condolences to Barb’s family. She taught my children in Poplar. When she moved to Great Falls, she got in touch with me and we spent time going on hikes and hitting a few estate sales. She was always down to earth and quick to laugh. Nancy Swenson
Harold Lair says
We lost a dear friend in Barb. She was always cheerful and upbeat whenever we were together. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family and friends.
Iva Grainger says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. My condolences
to the family.
Vandi McGowan Scott says
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Jerry Olson says
Our thoughts and prayers go to Barb’s family. She was a wonderful person to get to know and help with Driver’s Education. She will be greatly missed. I always appreciated her passion and her energy.
Jerry Olson
Patt Iron Cloud says
God bless this beautiful Lockman family. I am so very sorry for this great loss. I’ve always loved her beauty because it is inside and out. Hugz to my friend Don Lockman and his wife and all THE LOCKMAN Family. You will certainly be missed beautiful girl. Love, Patt
Patti Jo Black says
Barb was one of my favorite teachers. She was kind, fun, listened to me and her classes were engaging. As an adult I enjoyed our visits. God Bless.
Ward smith says
Sorry for your loss
Susan Twichel says
So sorry to hear of Barb’s passing! She was a wonderful lady and will be dearly missed.
Love and prayers to all of the Lockman family–
Susan (Hagadone) Twichel
Jeff Ruffatto says
My thoughts and prayers to all of Barb’s family. May she rest in peace.
Darlyn Grainger says
Hazel & family
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Barb. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Darlyn
Bonnieriley says
My heartfelt condolences to Barb’s family she also taught my children and I also worked with her never a dull moment we laugh all the time she will sure be missed . I feel she will be in good hands with our Lord and with my husband Randy Riley .Randy’s up there telling a good joke to her.
Gary Arnold says
A gentle spirit, an eager smile, a ready laugh—- I will miss you my friend!
Don Gratz says
I was shocked to hear of Barb’s passing……. so enjoyed our years together at the Jr. High in Sidney. She was so helpful to me in some of my projects…… she was also a reminder of the special years my wife and I spent in Poplar…….. difficult to believe she’s gone…. may she rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord.
Shaw Kenelty says
So very sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I spoke to her on the phone a few times in the middle of this ordeal and you would never know just how serious it was because she was always, always so upbeat and cheerful…just like she was every day. What a woman. Wishing her family and friends many moments of laughter as they remember her loving presence and nature. ❤️
Kathryn (Fritz) Reddies says
Hazel and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was schoolmates with Barb. I have such fond memories of her as I pray you do. You are all in my prayers. Kathryn Reddies
John Richman says
So sorry to hear of Barbs passing. My sincere condolences to the Lockman family.
Julie Fischer says
Please accept my sympathy. I enjoyed working with her in Sidney years ago and was delighted to reconnect with her in Helena. She could light up a room with her smile and her sparkling eyes. Barb will be missed by many; she was a beautiful lady.
Trudy Fox says
My deepest sympathies to all the Lockmans. Barb was a beautiful spirit. I enjoyed a good conversation with her last Jan or Feb – both of us flying to Billings. May you all draw strength from your faith, family and friends during this trying time.
Mark Prescott says
i remember in the summers in Poplar swimming at the boat docks. All of the Lockmans would be dropped off and we would swim and hang out together. Barbara, Carol and Rusty. It was so much fun. All the Lockmans were some of the nicest people I have ever meet in my life.
Lorrie (Iverson) Maki says
What a sad day, to say good-bye to your beloved daughter, sister, auntie. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Brad Tande says
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family for your loss.
Diane Nees says
May God be with you at this most difficult time – so sory.
Jill Nordwick says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Barb was a beautiful lady both inside and out.
Susan C. Witte says
I can see her now with her wild big hair. She was the Poplar chronicler for me here in Helena, always keeping me up to date on the lives and doings of people we knew and grew up with in Poplar. I will miss her.
TL Hagadone says
Hazel and Family.
I read something a few weeks ago which indicated something was going on in Barb’s life, but had no idea it could be this bad. Barb was taken far too soon and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember being at your house on late nights in the 70’s enjoying a good time with you and Curly AND being badgered by Barb. She had a way to call BS on things when some exaggerating, etc. were taking place. The times water skiing on Poplar Creek with her, Carol and Donnie are also being remembered at this time. Those were really good days and a great way to spend weekends.
Take care, Hazel.
TL
Penny Kaleva says
You are in my thought and prayers. Barbara is at peace.
Emily Patch says
I am saddened to hear that Curly and Hazel lovely daughter is gone. My condolences to all the Lockmans and her many friends and students.
Sheila Proctor Willsey says
My prayers and condolences to the Lockman family. I did not have the pleasure of knowing my cousin Barb, but her aunt, Helen Lockman, was my grandmother. I remember meeting Barb’s father as a child and was amazed at how much he looked like my uncle, Leo Lockman, his brother.
I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet Barb. She obviously made a positive impact on those who knew and loved her. What a lovely spirit.
My love to the Lockman family,
Sheila Proctor-Willsey
Carol Ault says
Hazel, Mike, Donnie, Rusty, Carol, Susie & Families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss of Barb. She was a special lady. I will always remember her. I have so many fond memories of the Lockman’s and Ault’s spending time together on Sundays either at the river in the summers swimming and water skiing or at one another’s houses in the colder months playing in the snow, ice skating or playing some fun card games. Also the camping trips to Hebgen Lake. Those were great times! May Barb rest in peace. Carol
Carter Swanson says
I am so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Ben Zimmerman says
Lockman Family
Susan and I are so sorry to hear about Barb’s passing. I remember that she was a fun and high spririted person and she was friendly to everyone. Poplar was a great place to grow up because there were families like yourselves there.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ben & Susan Zimmerman
Marcia Sage Frank says
Dearest Hazel and family- My heart literally aches for all of you right now. How can I even begin to express all of the love our family has always had for the Lockman crew. Words just don’t come easy right now….they are just not enough. Please know you are in my prayers and in my heart. Marcia
Laurel Boulds-Fisk says
So very sorry for your great loss to all the Lockman family! Such a beautiful spirit gone too soon. Prayers to all the family and all that knew Barb.
Jim and Mary Nesbit says
Our Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the whole Lockman family. God’s Blessings and Rest in Peace Dear Barb.
Vicki (Yasenosky) Hampson says
My heart is breaking for all of you. You are in my deepest Prayers. She will always be remembered as the gal that lite up a room, with her smile & her laughter. When my daughter passed away, she was at her service. I will always remember her hug. I will miss her dearly.
Vicki (Yasenosky) Hampson
RuthAnne ( Alexander) Hansen says
Condolences to all family and friends. Was blessed to visit with this lovely lady in May 2015 in life celebration hosted by mutual friend Peg Holwick (above). Just like being in the A O II house so many years ago. Barb a delight as always- upbeat and beautiful. Have posted a pic of the Helena AOII’s – Dee Barfknecht , RA Hansen and our lovely Barb , taken by fellow sister , Legislature Veronica Small- Eastman in 2005. Good times there as all memories of Barb are.
Joan Meyer says
I worked with Barb in the Helena School District. We were assigned to different schools but I had the opportunity to get to know Barb through library meetings. She was a lovely person, quick to smile and offer words of cheer. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences are with her family and friends.
Joan Meyer
Laurie Shafer says
Prayers and condolences to Barb’s family.
Diana McAnally Reynolds says
Our thoughts & prayers to all the Lockman family. My girls & I remember Barb with a constant smile. Such a beautiful lady.
Diana McAnally Reynolds
Daughters Brenda, Jody & Jenny
John & Gwyn Nordwick says
Our condolences to the Lockman family. So very sad to hear of your loss
John and Gwyn
Terri Kenison-Jones says
I met Barb in 2000, she had just entered the Great Falls Public School District. We were both starting in Library/Media that year and leaned on each other for help. She had taught previously and really helped me with teaching strategies. She then went on to receive her accreditation in education and off she went to the Helena School District. Barb and I still stayed in touch. She was an amazing person. Always busy, involved, and ready to conquer anything. I truly felt that the cancer would not beat her, she would beat the cancer. It was such an honor to know her. I will keep Barb’s memories close to my heart. God Bless all of you at this difficult time. Love Terri Kenison-Jones
Shelley Pelc says
Barb and I were librarians in Helena together for many years, however we really bonded when we kept bumping into each other at estate sales. She was a saavy shopper! She always had quick advice and a giggle. I will miss her.
Jody Smith says
So sorry for the loss of this beautiful woman!
My heart goes out to the Lockman family.
Carrie Lou (Schagunn) Buckley says
Dear Hazel, Mike, Donnie, Rusty, Carol, and Susie,
I will always remember and treasure Barb’s positivity and fearlessness. In all our time as cheerleaders and friends I cannot think of a time she was ever negative. And fearless- she always wanted to go again on the carnival rides, especially the stomach turning kind.
I am so thankful I had the opportunity this summer to connect with her again. In spite of her own health she pressed for news of me and my family, and when asked about herself she was positive about her outlook. My sincerest condolences. Carrie Lou (Schagunn) Buckley
Jim Carroll says
On behalf of the Montana Traffic Education Association, of which Barb was an active member, we hold Barb and her family up in prayer at this challenging time. Barb will be remembered as a kind, cheerful, and engaging person who endeavored to serve others with her positive outlook.
Kenneth Swank says
My condolences and prayers are with the Lockman family. i did not know Barbara, but was best friends with Mike through higj school. Its painful to say goodbye, but have hope that one day there will be a joyous reunion. Until then hold tight to the precious memories.
Kenneth Swank says
My condolences and prayers are with the Lockman family. i did not know Barbara, but was best friends with Mike through high school. Its painful to say goodbye, but have hope that one day there will be a joyous reunion. Until then hold tight to the precious memories.
Joyce Harkins Mathewson says
I was privileged to spend time with Barb after her surgery and was amazed at her determination to regain her strength! She was an incredible woman and I so admired her strong spirit. She spoke so highly of her nieces and nephews and the wonderful times she spent with them. I was honored to know Barb and I am praying for the entire family.
Shelly and Rahn Greimann says
Rahn and I so enjoyed getting to know Barb through our brother/brother-in-law, Scott, when he was working the wheat run in Montana. She had such a bright, beautiful, spirit and energy about her. It was a blessing to know her and spend time with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of thefamily at this time. Please know that the Greimann’s thought highly of her, and all who they were privileged to meet and work with during our time in Montana.
Don & Janet Peterson says
We are so sorry to hear about barb such a grerat loss to all your family our thoughts & prayes to your family
Don & Janet Peterson
Fran Penner-Ray says
Barb and I crossed paths in Helena at MTEA Board meetings, estate sales, trails and the HMS library. She was spirited, lovely and dedicated to her students and traffic safety . My deepest sympathy on the loss of her bright light.