Barbra Elizabeth "Barb" Cockhill

Barbra “Barb” Elizabeth Cockhill passed away on August 15, 2022 at her home in Butte, MT. She was born in Butte on January 8, 1948 to Edward and Edith (Gering) Cockhill and attended local schools, graduating from Butte High School in 1966. Growing up in Butte, Barb had fond memories of family and grew up around sports. As a young girl she followed her brother Brad and his friends around the neighborhood which launched her competitive spirit. As a young woman she played centerfield on the Lucky Lager women’s softball team, which won state titles in 1965, 1968, and 1969. Barb was selected for the All-Tournament Team in 1969 and this team, The Lucky Lager was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Montana Softball Hall of Fame. Barb attended the University of Montana, graduating in 1971. She taught in Scobey before being hired at Sentinel High School in Missoula, MT. Barb was the head girls basketball coach at Sentinel along with teaching Health and Physical Education from 1974-1978. Upon returning to Butte from Missoula, Barb worked and became a partner in the family business, East Ridge Laundry and Dry Cleaning. In 1985, she welcomed her greatest joy, Russell into this world. In 1999, Barb became the sole owner and operator where she worked steadfast until the recent sale of the business. Barb had an immense tender spot for all animals. She was extremely active with the Montana Spay and Neuter Task Force as well as the Montana Golden Retriever Rescue. The animals of this world are going to miss her! Curious by nature, Barb was fascinated by history and regularly enjoyed uncovering bits of Butte history. Not being afraid of hard work, she often would dig for hours to uncover bottles and trinkets of the past, some of which have been donated to organizations around Butte. Barb put in hours of research tying her colorful and wonderful family together by investigating the family tree for generations. Barb discovered her mom, Edith, was the rightful heir of a house in Aalborg, Denmark which was occupied by the Danish Neo Nazi Party. Eventually Edith took possession of the house and with Barb’s help was lauded a national hero. The genealogy work culminated with a trip to Denmark with Edith and Barb’s son, Russ. They were able to meet with family from lost ties and they celebrated this monumental achievement together. Barb was always her son, nieces, and nephews biggest fan. She was immensely proud and loved watching them compete in whatever they chose. Seldom was an event missed! When not working or rescuing four-legged friends, Barb enjoyed spending time at her second home on Canyon Ferry Lake. This is where Barb felt at peace. She thoroughly enjoyed flying around the lake on water skis or jet-skis and had many happy times throwing a ball for her beloved fur babies. Barb’s early years at the lake were spent with her stepfather, Bill Craig. He was her dad, best friend, and fishing partner. Barb could always be found tinkering about with many a project. She always said, “it never feels like work at the cabin.” Barb was one of a kind. She was very hard working and shared her life with many people. Her positive attitude propelled her far in life, and her bullet arm lead her far on the softball field. If your path ever crossed with Barb’s, you are extremely lucky. She had a heart of gold and will be dearly missed. Barb is survived by her cherished son, Russ Cockhill of Butte, sister Willa Craig of Missoula, brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Linda Cockhill of Helena, sister-in-law Robin Cockhill of Butte. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Milan Risi, Bill and Jenise Cockhill and their children Eric and Anna, Brittany and Mike Downey and their children, Holt, Jacelyn and Danielle, Lauren and Galen Hafla and their children Gehrig, Delaney and Rhian and numerous cousins. Barbra also leaves behind countless friends and many fur babies. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Cockhill and Edith Craig, stepfather William Craig, brother Brad Cockhill, brother Billy Craig and brother-in-law, George Risi. Cremation has taken place and Memorial services will be Thursday, September 8th at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home at 11:00am. Reception will immediately follow at the Finlen Hotel. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force PO Box 294, Butte, MT 59703 or Montana Precious Gold-Golden Retriever Rescue, 106 Buckskin Road, Roundup, MT 59072.

Tributes

Barbra Elizabeth "Barb" Cockhill

January 8, 1948 - August 15, 2022