Barbara (Barbie) Hawke Kremer, born July 4, 1942 in Butte Mt to William and Virginia Hawke passed away October 17, 2021, in her home.
Barbara attended Emerson and graduated from Butte High School where she was a member of the Top 16 singing group. After graduating high school she met and married Ray Kremer on October 31, 1960 and over the years they raised 5 children.
Barb was a member of the Butte Choral group “The Note a Belles” for decades, where she made lifelong friendships. She enjoyed performing for Butte residents on all occasions. Barb loved to sing and had an ear (and a heart) for harmony. Although her memory faded over the years she always remembered the music and would always sing along. Barb never had an unkind word to say about anyone even when you wanted her too. She rooted for the underdog and easily found the good in all.
Barb always enjoyed spending time with her family (especially on the 4th of July). As a child she always thought the parade was held in honor of her birthday. She enjoyed family trips, traveling to Colorado to visit Rachel and her family, and spending time at her lake home in Georgetown Montana. Barb especially enjoyed time with her mom and sister at Flat Head Lake. Barbie was always a very generous and kind person. She would whip up a casserole to feed neighborhood kids, friends and anyone who needed a meal. Everyone loved how authentic and kind she was. She truly was a special person and we are all going to miss her beautiful energy.
In addition to raising 5 children Barb worked in her business at the R & B Grocery for 20 years where she also made many lifelong friendships. Her generous heart would never refuse a person in need. Barb finished her work life at the Butte Convalescent Center where she was dearly missed following her retirement. She was an angel on earth for the residents she cared for.
Barb is survived by her 5 children, Steve (Ginny) Kremer; Kurt (Toni) Kremer; Rona (Will) Smith; Mark Kremer; Rachel (Tim) Shannon.
Sister Mickey LeProwse, Brother David Hawke; Brother in Law Bill Grunloh and Sister and Brother in Law Dolores (Roy) Bogetto.
Grandchildren: Kelly, Alisha, Kylie, Morgan, Kevin, Brian Kortni, Rasia, Willy, Michael, Joey, Brett, Sara, and AJ. Great Grandchildren: Gracie, Logan, Blake, Kelton, Fynna, Nash, Kaden, Lilyi, Ezra, Jaxon, Emma and the newest addition Kolbie Jo.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband Ray, Daughter, Julie; her Parents, William and Virginia; Mother and Father in Law, Martha and John Kremer; Sister Donna Grunloh and Brother Tommy Hawke.
We are eternally grateful that we were able to able to care for our mom at home until her last days. There are not enough words to thank Sheena and her entire staff at Senior Solutions and everyone that helped care for her including her loving sister Mickey, her son, Mark, and Granddaughter, Rasia. We could not have done it without you. Thank you all from the bottom of all our hearts.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice at Senior Solutions.
A Celebration of Life honoring Raymond and Barbara Kremer will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021, at Aldersgate United Methodist church, 1621 Thornton Ave., Butte, MT 59701. They will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery during a private burial service.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Barbara.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Barbara and her family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 22, 2021
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 22, 2021
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
1621 Thornton Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Elena Nelson says
Dear Kremer family, I’m so sorry about Barbie doll. Her legacy will live on through all of you. I love you with all of my heart. Love always and forever Elena
Anonymous says
Barbie was the best sister in law anyone would want.Kind sweet always had a smile for you. Loved her family. She is now at peace .She will be missed but never forgotten . All our love to the great kids who took such good care of her. The Bogetto family
Suni Chelini says
On behalf of senior solutions and myself,
Thank you for letting us become a part of your family. Barb, you truly were an angel on Earth and heaven is dancing with you in it. We will love and miss you forever.
Elena Nelson says
I love the pictures of Barbie. She was such a beautiful soul. One of my fondest memories is her threatening to throw potato salad at Rachel. Rachel deserved it. I love you all like family.
Elena
Sheri` Sullivan says
I Loved Barbie with all my heart! I always had a wonderful time staying at Ray and Barbie’s with Rona, oh the laughs and wonderful times at the store. My thoughts and prayers to all the family. Barbie will be missed!
Bill Grunloh says
Barbie has a special place in the hearts of those who know her. A kind and joyful friend for life. We shared many adventurous times with Barbie and Ray. I am saddened by their passing and smiling with the memories. Hugs all around. Bill.
Laura Hash says
Sending condolences to all the Kremer family. I remember Barbara so fondly from Aldersgate. She was such a sweet person and fun to be around. Sending thoughts and prayers. Laura Hash
Karen & Al Hulverson says
Dear all you Kramer kids we were so sorry to hear of your moms passing. Barb was a great neighbor when we lived next door years ago. Always a smile on her face. Years have gone by since we lived in Butte when Kevin & Mindy played withe Mark and Rachael, but our memories of your mom and dad and all you kids will never be forgotten. Always remember the joy she brought to your lives.
pam pennell says
Barb will be missed dearly. She always took care of us neighborhood kids, no matter what we wanted she let us get , she always had a smile for us !
Teresa Bogetto says
Amazing wife,mom,grandmother, and the best auntie. You will be missed. My love to all of you❤
Janice Muniz says
My love & Prayers to Kurt (Toni) Kremer ,Kevin, Brian & Kortni Kramer and all of Barbs Family. I worked with Barb at the Butte Convelesant Nursing home and she was one hard working lady. I admired her for the way she treated the residents and the employees with such love. She is reunited with the love of her life Papa Ray and together they will always be watching over you with love & pride. . May her memories hold dear in all your hearts. Rest in peace Barb,, (((hugs)))
Janice Muniz
Anonymous says
Terry and I were so sorry to hear about barb.
Lynn (Toot) Hollenbeck Ingham says
I have loved Barbie for as long as I can remember. Although I was a bit jealous when she married Ray because he was supposed to be Darcy’s and my boyfriend. First she babysat me and then years later, I babysat her children. There was never a Hollenbeck event that didn’t include Barbie and Ray and I will miss them both. I’m so proud of her children/the family for the loving support they gave to her right through to the end – she definitely deserved it. You raised great kids, Barb and Ray!!
Love,
Toot
Sheryl Driver says
I remember Ray ar work. He was very nice. We worked for several years together and then he retired. Ir wasn’t a few years later I decided to retire. My husband passed not long after that. I was so happy to see Ray are the reception!!! I never dreamt he would drive to Anaconda for Woody’s funeral. RIP Ray!!!
My deepesf sympathies to all the families. Peace be with you during this very hard time.
Lisa Bogetto says
To the kremer family my cousin’s, you were so blessed to have such a wounderful mother, she will definitely be missed. Love you all💓