Saturday November 28 ^th , our sweet mother Barbara Jean Kenison left us for a special place in heaven.

Barbara was born on August 27 ^th , 1936, in Dillon, MT to Kathryn (Rebish) and Martin Markovich. She was the youngest of six children but somehow assumed the role of caretaker to all. She attended school in Dillon where she met the love of her life, Ron (Swede) Kenison. Mom earned a degree in Elementary Education from Western Montana College. And, on June 2 ^nd , 1956, she married Ron (Swede) Kenison, and put her education degree to the test raising their 8 children. There was never a dull moment in the Kenison household, the door was always open, and our mother welcomed all with open arms. She made sure everyone was fed, had dry warm clothes, and felt as if they were a part of our home. Her kind and caring heart was an inspiration for all. A few years after moving to Butte, her mother was stricken with arthritis and without hesitation, mom converted a back room into a bedroom and moved her mother up to Butte where she could care for her until her death.

When her kids got older, Barb went to work in real estate but soon found herself working side by side with Swede. They were rarely apart, traveling the state together while working for Herff-Jones. After Swede was named Frontier Conference Commissioner, he needed his lifelong assistant by his side.   We all knew who was running the show, and in 2005, when dad died unexpectedly, the Frontier Conference appointed mom interim commissioner, interim lasted the entire year. Because of her dedication to the Frontier Conference, in 2008, mom was awarded the National Football Foundation's Hall of Fame Administrative Service Award.   In 2011, Kent Paulson, the Frontier Conference Commissioner, awarded mom the first "Swede Kenison" Memorial award for her long-term dedication to the Frontier Conference.

As many educators do, Barb and Swede spent their life volunteering, giving to the community, and helping others. Raising funds for Butte Central, was a favorite social past time. In 1998, when the Grasshopper Valley Volunteer Fire Department was formed, Barb and Swede helped this special group of volunteers. They worked tirelessly to build a Fire Department, write grants and raise funds to buy fire trucks, ambulances and equipment, and train and educate their EMT's. Mom spent countless volunteer hours with the Fire Department. When the Stodden Park Pool closed in 2006, mom was recruited by Fran Doran to raise funds to build a waterpark. They created the "Friends of Stodden" non-profit, and for over 10 years worked to make the dream of a water park for the children of Butte come true.

Barb was proceeded in death by her son, William John; husband, Ron (Swede) Kenison; sisters Ann Malesich, Kay Spolar, Mary Petritz and Marg Stosich; brother Martin Markovich; sister-in-laws, Lorraine Markovich, Kenette Smith; brothers-in-law John Malesich, George Spolar, Peter (Peachy) Petritz and Tony Stosich, John 'Jack' Kenison, William 'BJ' Smith; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Barb is survived by her daughters, Terri (Phil) Jones and Kathy Kenison; sons Rick Kenison, Marty (Holly) Kenison, Eric (Jeanni) Kenison, Ron (Susie) Kenison, Mike (Polly) Kenison; sister-in-law, Shelly Kenison; brother-in-law, Joe Erickson; grandchildren, Cody (Ashleigh) Kenison, Caleb (Chelsea) Kenison, Jake (Tara) Cox, Brian Cox, Jared Jones, Sarah (Aaron) Green, Casey (Jamie) Kenison, Kayla (Casey) Dee, Paige (Tyler) Sorensen, Joe Kenison, Katie (Chris) Gilbreaith, Kevin Cox, Ty (Lexie) Kenison, Cooper Kenison, Nicholia Kenison, Garret Kenison, Sierra Kenison; great-grandchildren, Cameron Cox, Avery Cox, Alivia Cox, Cayson Cox, Azlyn Cox, Aria Cox, Kain Cox, Kenasyn Dee, Callaway Dee, Colt Kenison, Clayton Kenison, Clara Kenison, Ruby Kenison, Marlow Kenison, Bodree Sorensen, Wes Sorensen, Kaysen Lefle; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Janelle and the staff at Beehive Homes of Butte, with a special shout out to Luchy, who treated mom like her own grandmother. Also, Senior Solutions, Sheena, Abbey and the entire crew who helped with mom; Mary Ann Scheppek, her Senior Companion

Donations may be made to the Butte Central Education Foundation, 9 South Idaho, Butte, MT 59701; Butte Special Olympics, 845 Wyoming Street, Butte, MT 59701; Butte Emergency Food Bank, 1019 E. Second Street, Butte, MT; Beehive Homes of Butte, 2930 Elm St, Butte, MT 59701; or the charity of your choice.

We invite friends of the family to join us virtually for the service at the link below or in person.

Butte Catholic Community North - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH3AsbxD9bdyH3ZphVbU9uw

COVID safety protocols will be required for people choosing to attend in person. The Rosary will be held on Thursday December 3 ^rd at 6:00 PM with visitation starting at 5:00 PM at the Immaculate Conception Church. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM Friday December 4 ^th at the Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM at the Mountain View Cemetery in Dillon, MT. We plan on a celebration of life around her birthday in August, when we will roll out the barrel and have a pig roast!

We love you mom, watch over and guide us until we meet again in heaven.