Sheila Bartzen Robbins, 78

Sheila passed away on December 10, 2025, surrounded by her sister, brother, and oldest daughter, just seven days shy of her 79th birthday. She was born on December 17, 1946, in Anaconda, MT. Her parents, Bernard and Priscilla Bartzen, welcomed her into their home as their first child.

Sheila grew up in Butte, MT, and graduated from Butte Central in 1965. After graduation, she left for California to start college. She became a switch board operator and gave birth to her daughter in 1967, and fell in love with Dean Hunter while teaching a class. She then had 3 more children, including a set of twins. In 1975, she came back to Butte, Montana, where she went back to school to become a LPN. In order to fund her college, she worked at Montana Tech. She became close friends with Pharaby Patty, Leo Pocha, Suzzane Tiddy-Larsen, and Paul Carpino, and became very focused on being a community-based program coordinator and Native American Activist. They all worked on lobbying legislative rule making, defining law on legally blind, and so much more. She helped found the Indian Alliance, raised funds, and organized and implemented programs supporting Native Americans in education, employment, child care, and nutrition. She also helped establish youth groups, including The Kings Kids, and raised awareness about abused women.

When her children were grown and gone, she moved to Oregon, where she met Vic Robbins, married, but ended up moving back to Montana and became close to her two siblings.

Sheila found comfort and strength in reading the Bible and practicing her faith daily. She tried to instill a solid Christian foundation with her children. Her relationship with God was something she shared openly with those around her.

Over the last several years, Sheila made cherished friends at the Copper Ridge. She enjoyed having her nails painted, reading books, and visiting with her brother and sister. Though she could be a bit sassy with the people who cared for her, she was always quick to say she was sorry, thanking them for pushing her when she needed it, or apologizing for moments when her attitude showed a little too brightly.

Sheila is preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law Terry Lanahan; and brother-in-law Rick Galasso.

She is survived by her daughter, Veronica White (Daryl), Berta Hunter (Rick); son, Angelo Hunter; sister, Connie Galasso; brother, David Bartzen; grandson, Eric Romero Jr.; great granddaughter, Morrigan Romero; nieces, Kim Hilbrands and Kristy Hoar.

Private family services have been arranged.

A special thank you to all the staff at Copper Ridge Health and Rehab for their kindness and support. We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Shawna Yates for her gentle care, patience, and understanding.