Barbara "Barb" Betty Lehnerz

Barbara “Barb” Thompson Lehnerz passed away at Azalea Assisted Living on Sunday, April 10, 2022. A vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2022. A viewing will be at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the funeral liturgy at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2022, all at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Power. Barbara was born to Betty and George Thompson on November 17, 1933. She spent her early years in Great Falls with her parents, brother, and the Thompson family becoming the apple of their eye. In 1946, Betty married Harold Patten and Barb had to compete for her mom’s attention. Harold did truly become her father. She enjoyed shopping, going to movies with a dime, and cruising the drag with her girlfriends, as was the fad of the times. She was proud to be a Bison and living in Great Falls. Barb worked at Mountain Bell for a short time and enjoyed chatting with each caller more than transferring them. She married Robert Lehnerz on August 25, 1956, and the naïve city girl moved to the Lehnerz farm, where she expected to lead the life of luxury. Barb often longed to return to the city, but this would take a while. As it was only her mother, brother, and herself in her younger years, Barb always dreamed of having a large family. She was the proud mother of seven, two daughters and five sons. She learned to cook, drive truck, and have farm animals in the house when needed. Many times, it was a wonder she survived while her kids grew up. Their home was always full of laughter and excitement. There was never a quiet moment. Barb went to work at the Power Schools cafeteria when her youngest started kindergarten. Bob was not happy with this arrangement, as she only made $4 a day. However, Barb loved the job interacting with the children and staff, treating all as if they were her own children. She continued to work there until 1997. After her children grew up, she moved from the farm into Power, where her home was a gathering point for her grandchildren to stop by. They soon learned not to bother grandma if she was playing cards. “Just help yourself and don’t make a mess,” as she was fond of saying. All will remember her laugh, that was heard near and far. Kids and laughter came from the Lehnerz home. Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; mother, and stepfather, Betty and Harold; and granddaughter, Kelsie Lehnerz Stoner. She is survived by her brother, George (Teresa) Thompson of Spokane, WA; children, Christine (Ken) Schmidt of Great Falls, Joseph (Leaha) Lehnerz of Power, Larry (Cheryl) Lehnerz of Belt, Neal (Meggan) and Mark (Carol) Lehnerz, all of Power, Thomas (Rebecca) Lehnerz of Melbourne, FL, and Patricia (Warner) Holm of Belgrade; 40 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren for a grand total of 105; and numerous nieces and nephews. Thanks mom, you loved us, taught us, and shared with us. You are loved forever. Our family would like to thank our Azalea Assisted Living family for the love and care shown of our mother. Memorials in Barb’s honor may be given to the Power Sports Complex, Power Senior Center, and Guardian Angel Catholic Church.