Barbara Jean Holm Griffiths
December 13, 1928 (Waltham, Massachusetts) – November 19, 2025 (Butte, Montana). Barbara was born the second of four siblings to Ernest Sanstedt Holm and Hilda Swanson Holm. While studying nursing at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston she met Vernon Griffiths, a Welsh immigrant, attending MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), on an Outing Club hike. They married on October 16, 1954. In 1959, after Vern completed a post doc position at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver B.C., they moved to Butte for Vern’s position as a faculty member at Montana School of Mines. She was very proud of her R.N. degree and worked as a nurse at Silver Bow General Hospital, St. James Hospital, and Butte Home Health.
Barbara was always a very kind, thoughtful person with a strong stubborn streak. She was an avid antique “collector” throughout her life filling her home and ours with prized possessions. Along with antique furniture, linens, glassware, etc., she also developed an extensive antique doll collection. She became an accomplished quilter and knitter, donating an endless supply of wool beanies to children at the Butte Homeless Shelter. She loved playing Scrabble and especially Checkers and showed no mercy to anyone who was willing to play, including grandchildren.
Barbara and Vern took regular trips back to the east coast and Wales to see family and always brought back various collectibles. Starting in 1995 the family and friends shared many fun times at the family cabin in Seeley Lake. This legacy gift will continue for future generations.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Griffiths, who passed away on July 29, 2017
Barbara is survived by five children, Susan Lear (Dan), Janet Griffiths, Brychan (Beth Boston), Huw (Amy Carter), Evan (Erin Downing); eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
She was a devoted lifelong member of the Butte UCC church (United Congregational Church), where a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
We wish to extend our sincere appreciation and thank-you to The Springs Assisted Living and the Trek HomeCare and Hospice staff for their genuine care of Barbara in her last years.
Donations may be made to the Butte United Congregational Church or Trek Home Care and Hospice.
Axelson is privileged to care for Barbara and her family.
Please comment below to leave a memory or share a condolence.
Darlene Allen says
I have thought about Barb many times and wish I had been able to visit her. She was always such a joy and had such wonderful stories about baseball and her travels. I missed her weekly conversations asking if I was going to church and if she could get a ride. She will truly be missed and always remembered.
Emma Dyer says
Oh Barb! I’m coming to Butte after Christmas and planning to visit you. It is so sad that you are gone. Thank you for sharing your joy and your life stories (from your kids to your grandkids and great-grandkids) with me. I’ll forever carry the memories of our fun checkers matches and the quiet patience you had teaching me to knit.
You were a wonderful and kind person. I miss you. Rest easy. ❤️ You are forever missed.