Barbara Rae Spies, 77, “crossed over” peacefully at her home the morning of July 6, 2014.
A Montana native, Barbara was born in Kalispell on Feb. 26, 1937, and was raised in Kalispell. She was the daughter of Norma and F.E. “Rip” Wilson. After graduating from Flathead County High School in 1955, she continued her education at Washington State, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.
After moving to San Francisco to begin her working career, she met the love of her life, Reinhard Spies. Together, they set out on life’s journey and lived in such cities as Vienna, Austria; Dusseldorf, Germany; Chicago; Sydney, Australia, Cleveland, Ohio; and New York, adopting two boys along the way. In 1992, they would retire to Bigfork and live out their golden years on Flathead Lake.
They were avid bridge players and Barbara enjoyed arts and crafts and also volunteered at the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce.
Barbara is survived by Dick and Lona Wilson; Marc, Jen, Max and Stefan Spies.
A celebration of her life is planned at a later date.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.