Barbara Cottom

Barbara Cottom passed away suddenly at the age of 79 on September 20, 2020. Barbara Jean Morris Cottom was born August 29th, 1941 in a boxcar in Twin Bridges, MT to Myron and Nora (Sullender) Morris. She attended school in Twin Bridges, graduating from TBHS in 1959 as Salutatorian of her class. In May 1960, Barbara graduated from Butte Business College then immediately went to work for Firestone. Seven months later, the big “strike” hit Butte and her job was terminated. A week later she went to work for Christie Transfer and Storage. On March 17, 1962, Barb married the love of her live, Bob Cottom. They started their married life in Great Falls, MT where Barb was employed in the office of Great Falls Clinic. In March 1965, she and Bob moved back home to Dillon where they welcomed their son, Brad in November. In December 1967, their family was complete when their daughter Brenda was born. Barbara volunteered for the Heart Association and sold Avon while she enjoyed her children. In 1974 when both children had started school, Barbara had an opportunity to go to work for the Montana Power Company. Barb remained there until 1994, when the Dillon office closed. During this time, Barbara was an avid bowler and was secretary of her league and the city association. She was also involved with the junior bowlers and was the leader of the junior program for 16 years. She was instrumental in forming a traveling league and taking bowlers all over Montana for competitions and state tournaments. Barb was elected into the Bowling Hall of Fame in 2008. She also remained as memorial chairman of the Montana Heart Association for 20 years. Barbara was also an election judge for 25 years. Her life became complete in 1994 when she “finally” became a grandma. Barb then devoted the rest of her life to her 5 precious grandchildren. She shared in all of their accomplishments, giving them unconditional love and support. She often commented “family is where it is.” Barbara enjoyed bowling, gardening, concerts, cowboy poetry, and especially her grandchildren, who always came first in her life. Barb is survived by her children Brad (Sheila) Cottom and Brenda (Merl) Greenwell and her 5 grandchildren; Kristen, Kevin, Karli Cottom and Rachael and Mitchell (Courtney) Greenwell, her brother and sister-in-law Walter and Helen Morris, brother-in-law and sister- in-law Bill and Dixie Cottom, good friends (“family”) Margaret Rauh, Marilyn (George) Parrett. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob Cottom and her parents Myron and Nora Morris. Per her request, no services are planned. Memorials can be sent to Montana Heart Association.