Barbara Jean Huffman
Barbara Jean Huffman, 91, passed away peacefully at her cherished home on Lake Creek Road in Troy, Montana, on Dec. 2, 2024.
Barbara’s early life was marked by resilience and transformation. Born Edna Louise Salmon on Nov. 9, 1933, in San Diego, California, she was the daughter of Robert Salmon and Mildred Estey. She was the youngest of three siblings, a brother Robert and a sister Edith Marie.
Her father’s naval service brought the family to San Diego, far from their Boston roots. Shortly after her birth, for reasons unknown, Edna was placed under the care of the California court system, and her family returned to Boston.
At the age of two, Edna was adopted by Helen Weaver in Los Angeles and given the name Barbara Jean.
She grew up surrounded by love, guided by Helen, her grandparents Charles and Edrie Weaver, and later her stepfather Donald Stickley. She was embraced by a growing family, gaining two brothers, Chuck and Virgil, and a sister, Donna.
Barbara often described her childhood as the “best of times,” filled with laughter, adventure and the unwavering support of her close-knit family.
After graduating high school, Barbara briefly pursued modeling before marrying Donald Grantham in 1952. Together, they built a life in Downey, California, raising their family with warmth and dedication.
Barbara made their home a haven of joy, organizing beach outings, mountain trips and countless family adventures. In 1970, the family moved to Riverside, California, where Barbara discovered a passion for horses and began raising them on their property.
In 1973, when Don’s company announced plans to close its Los Angeles plant and relocate to Oklahoma, Barbara and Don chose a different path. They decided to start new in the stunning landscapes of Libby, Montana, where Barbara began a beautiful new chapter of her life.
After her divorce from Don in 1978, Barbara found her true partner in Leslie “Bud” Huffman. Together, they built a life of hard work and love on the B&B Ranch in Troy, Montana. The ranch became a place of joy and purpose, filled with a variety of animals, including Barbara’s beloved pigs.
Barbara and Bud poured their hearts into developing the ranch, creating not only a home but a legacy.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Huffman, and her stepson, Shawn Huffman.
She leaves behind a loving family: her three children, Donna Jean Louchren of Garden Grove, California, Eddy Grantham of Troy, Montana’ and Terrie Grantham of Post Falls, Idaho.
She is also survived by four grandchildren: Tommy Louchren of Coarsegold, California; Robert Lee Dodd II and Natasha Bronoske, both of Spokane, Washington; and Barbara Jean Grantham of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Her legacy continues through her five great-grandchildren: Eric Louchren, Keira and Sadie Bronoske, Ibrahim, and Sofia Grantham.
Barbara’s life was a testament to love, resilience and devotion. Her unwavering commitment to her family, her cherished ranch and the community she called home will forever be remembered.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength, etched in the hearts of all who knew her.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly celebrated.
Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.
