Ann Barker

Ann Welden Barker, a long-time resident of Augusta, Montana passed away peacefully at her daughter's home surrounded by family on Nov 30, 2016.



Ann was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa Oct 20, 1928 to Ernie (EZ) and Helen Welden. She joined an older brother Dave and sister Molly. They lived on the bank of the Iowa River where she spent many carefree days of her youth adventuring, and enjoying the outdoors. After graduation, she attended Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls and worked as an X-Ray tech in Minneapolis. In 1950, she married her best friend, Max from up the street. They started out married life farming, and had a herd of dairy cows. In 1976, Max & Ann moved from Iowa to Montana and purchased the JJJ Ranch. Although they had grown up with livestock and were experienced horsemen, the challenges of running a dude ranch and backcountry business took sheer will and hard work, with many hilarious stories along the way. Ann loved the outdoors more than the indoors her entire life, enjoying long walks, horseback riding, birding and gardening. She was a woman of strong faith in Jesus, sweet and loving, a blessing to all who knew her.



Ann is survived by daughters Wendy (Chuck) Barton, Jane (John) Phillips, Christa (Kirk) Mattingly, son Ernie (Kim) Barker; grandchildren, Emily Barton, Gabe Barton, Jessie (Jason) Mikita, Alyssa (Joe) Nardinger, Brita (Josh) McKenzie), Aliya Vazquez, Kate Mattingly, Wilson (Renee) Mattingly, Hannah (Eric) Dunn, Kelsey (Joe) Kerney, and Hayley Barker; great grandchildren, Jordan, Charlie, Anna, Max, Lane, Caleb, Grady, Daniel, Clara, Paul, Evelyn, Gage, Soren, Scarlett, Moses, Zander, Waylon and Halli, Walker and Gwendolyn.



Services will be at 11:00 am January 7, 2017 at the Augusta Community Church followed by a luncheon at the Augusta Youth Center.



Memorials suggested to Augusta Community Church benevolent fund, Augusta, Montana 59410.



Condolences may be left on-line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com