In 1956, Barboura married Bob Shannon and together they had six children and 16 grandchildren. She was many things to all of us, but most of all, she was a devoted and generous mother and grandmother who loved her family with all her heart. Although Barboura had many interests, her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren whether it was pitching the ball, a trip to the lake, cuddling on the couch, or watching a reality show.
Barboura spent countless hours and travelled thousands of miles to watch her grandchildren perform in school programs or compete in sporting events. The knowledge that she would no longer be here to watch their upcoming games and events saddened her deeply.
Our Mom was a voracious reader who had a full library in her house and was always recommending and loaning books to friends and family. She was never without a book or magazine, and kept us all current on everything from world events to the latest fashions.
Barboura was also a great gardener and taught all her kids the love of getting their hands dirty and the joy of watching the new flowers bloom. She was a fabulous knitter and left us with many beautiful afghans to wrap ourselves in. She had hopes that once our children were raised we might find the time to also take up knitting.
Mom inherited her mischievous spirit from her father. Those who spent any time with her were sure to be lovingly pinched, poked with a toothpick, have a purse go missing or a dessert eaten when you weren't looking.
We always knew what a great Mom we had, but she touched the lives of many people outside our family as well. Through the years she opened her house to many people. She had a way of making everyone feel important and always took the time to learn people's story. Her home was open to anyone and everyone. She was a great cook and there was never a shortage of food in her kitchen.
One of her greatest gifts to us was the value she placed on honesty and hard work. She could frequently be heard teaching her grandchildren the importance of these attributes. Through her unconditional love for all of us, she taught us to love one another, to always be forgiving, and that we would be the happiest when we were doing for others. Mom had a humble and selfless spirit. She was an inspiration to all of us.
Mom, we will miss you more than you could ever know. We love you Babas. No ... we love you more! And now, as your letters to us always ended, "May God Bless and Keep You, Safe, Well and Happy."
Barboura is survived by her husband Bob Shannon, her six children, and 16 grandchildren: Chuck & Pam Shannon and children Kelly, Lindsay and Connor; Karie & Tim Regan and children Collette, Timmy, Emily and Matthew; Dr. Robert & Susan Shannon and children, Riley, Tucker and Casey; Greg & Lori Shannon and children Katherine and Carson; Becky & Dan Schanz and children, Danny, Hannah, Ellie, and Benjamin; Lori & Mike Catterall; her sister Beckye Quesenberry, nieces and nephew, Kathy, Jack and Jill Quesenberry. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a granddaughter Gracie Jo Regan.
A memorial service will be held at the Sunrise Village Lodge (19560 Sunshine Way) on Sunday, July 1st at 11:00 a.m. Funeral Services will be held on July 7th in Miles City, MT. Bairds Funeral Home in Bend, OR is in charge of the memorial arrangements.
