Obituary for Barbara Joy Cosgriff
On Sunday February 21, 2021, Barbara Ward Cosgriff, a loving mother and widow passed away peacefully at the age of 93.
Barbara was born November 16, 1927 to Robert “Bud” and Delia Anita (Brannin) Ward in Big Timber, Montana.
Barbara attended school in Melville and Big Timber. She attended college briefly to study physical therapy and came back to Big Timber to teach school at the one room schoolhouse on Otter Creek Road.
Barbara met the love of her life, Ralph, and they were married on May 28, 1946. Barbara was a ranching wife that was well known for her compassionate nature, pies, and homemade cinnamon rolls. They spent the winter of 1957 running the Ward and Parker sawmill.
After a brief stay in Georgia looking for a ranch the family moved back to Montana and bought the original foundation of the ranch, 800 acres, in Big Timber on May 16, 1959 where her family was raised and where she lived out her life.
Barbara was hand in hand with Ralph raising the commercial and registered cattle and registered Quarter Horses. Barbara enjoyed hosting the Easter, Fourth of July, and Christmas family gatherings allowing everyone to see her well-manicured lawn, flower beds, and bringing out the finest dishes for Christmas. She would write letters to family and after dinner when the mail was gathered, she would read the letters sent back. Barbara always had a cookie jar full, a meal for anyone in need, and a companion animal at her side. Barbara like to paint in acrylic and draw in graphite. Her sewing skills kept the clothes patched, the grandkids in style, and the Barbie dolls in fashion.
Barbara is preceded in death by her father, mother, brother John C. (Jack), brother Robert (Buck) Ward and husband Ralph. She is survived by her sister, Ellen Bertoliatti, sister Mary Jane (Gary) Andrews, son Robert (Helen) Cosgriff, , daughter ElVera Cosgriff, son George Cosgriff, son John Cosgriff, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services will take place at the Melville Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m., Saturday March 6, 2021. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.stenbergfuneralhome.com.
Barbara was born November 16, 1927 to Robert “Bud” and Delia Anita (Brannin) Ward in Big Timber, Montana.
Barbara attended school in Melville and Big Timber. She attended college briefly to study physical therapy and came back to Big Timber to teach school at the one room schoolhouse on Otter Creek Road.
Barbara met the love of her life, Ralph, and they were married on May 28, 1946. Barbara was a ranching wife that was well known for her compassionate nature, pies, and homemade cinnamon rolls. They spent the winter of 1957 running the Ward and Parker sawmill.
After a brief stay in Georgia looking for a ranch the family moved back to Montana and bought the original foundation of the ranch, 800 acres, in Big Timber on May 16, 1959 where her family was raised and where she lived out her life.
Barbara was hand in hand with Ralph raising the commercial and registered cattle and registered Quarter Horses. Barbara enjoyed hosting the Easter, Fourth of July, and Christmas family gatherings allowing everyone to see her well-manicured lawn, flower beds, and bringing out the finest dishes for Christmas. She would write letters to family and after dinner when the mail was gathered, she would read the letters sent back. Barbara always had a cookie jar full, a meal for anyone in need, and a companion animal at her side. Barbara like to paint in acrylic and draw in graphite. Her sewing skills kept the clothes patched, the grandkids in style, and the Barbie dolls in fashion.
Barbara is preceded in death by her father, mother, brother John C. (Jack), brother Robert (Buck) Ward and husband Ralph. She is survived by her sister, Ellen Bertoliatti, sister Mary Jane (Gary) Andrews, son Robert (Helen) Cosgriff, , daughter ElVera Cosgriff, son George Cosgriff, son John Cosgriff, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services will take place at the Melville Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m., Saturday March 6, 2021. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.stenbergfuneralhome.com.
To plant a tree in memory of Barbara Joy Cosgriff, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Memorial Service
Saturday
6
Mar
2:00 PM
- 3:30 PM
Melville Cemetery
Melville
Melville, MT 59055
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