Barbara Anne Bristow, 60,

Barbara Anne Bristow, 60, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011.

Services for Barb will be held at a later time.

Barbara Anne Lockman Bristow was born Nov.  1, 1950, in Bonners Ferry, to Lester and Hilma Lockman. 

She was the 12th child and second daughter.  She was also the first cesarean section baby delivered in Bonners Ferry, as her mother refused to go to Spokane for the delivery and insisted that Dr. Durose do it.  He had never done one before, but agreed to as he felt he had no choice.

Barb spent the first three years of life at her family home near the site of the now Boundary County Landfill.  Then she moved with her family into town at the bottom of Cemetery Hill Road.  That was where she spent her growing up years, growing up with 10 older brothers and one bossy older sister proved to be an adventure that resulted in a very strong, independent and loving woman who didn’t complain.

She married Steve Stangel and moved to Minnesota where she spent the next 12 years.  Five children were born of that union.  After they divorced she moved back to Bonners Ferry to be with her mother, who had cancer.

About a year after returning she met Rod Bristow who turned out to be the love of her life and her best friend.  It was love at first sight for both of them.  They were married 13 days after meeting and together raised her  five children and Rod’s two children.

Barb was a devoted mother, wife, sister, and friend.  Although she had no formal higher education, she was a very intelligent and gifted individual.  She excelled as a homemaker, seamstress, baker, cake decorator, and family chef.  She devoted countless hours to family and friends helping in every way possible no matter the hour of the day or night. 

When time allowed she enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and being outdoors.

She loved to hunt, fish and do a whole lot of camping. She just loved the High Drive area. To her delight she was able to make a final trip to hunting camp this fall.  She was accompanied by her best friend Dova Lee LaMarche, and Rod, her husband of almost 33 years, before cancer took her life on Oct. 18, 2011.

She is survived by her husband: Rod Bristow, children: Stephanie (Steve) Gross, Brian Stangel, Jim (Cherie) Bristow, Pam Roberts, Matt (Mindy) Stangel; grandchildren: Paige Conley, Dillon, Austin and Alex Gross, Tyler Johnson, Megan Roberts, Devon Rose Bristow, Kiara Stangel, Nathan and Nicholas Stangel; her brothers: Jamie (Rose) Lockman, Chuck (Sheron) Lockman, Mike (Pauletta) Lockman, Lonnie Lockman, Gordon (Linda) Lockman, Danny (Louise) Lockman; sister Cheryl (Bob) Myers; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She is also survived by her loving mother-in-law: Ruby Brockway; her brother-in-law: Gary (Susan) Bristow; and her best friend Dova Lee LaMarche. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers: Ernie, Allen, Larry Lockman and LeRoy Mullin; by one son, Steven Stangel and one daughter Tammy Bristow.

Family and friends are invited to sign Barbara’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.