Our beloved mother Barbara Jean Flink, age 70, passed away in our arms the night of May 18th.
Barbara was born on November 22, 1953, to Jack and Ruby Banfield in Butte, MT. Barbara lived a true love story. As a young adult, she met her soul mate, Michael Flink. The two married on September 2nd, 1971. They built their wonderful family, having three children, Michael Jr, Brent, and Amanda. Barbara worked at the family-owned business, Office Products, before venturing on to open their very own travel agency, Freedom Travel.
Barbara and Michael were inseparable. They loved their family and the many adventures they had. They traveled far and wide and gained many friendships along the way. They contributed to their kids’ sporting events. The stories that could be told of their hockey adventures could keep one laughing for a lifetime. Barbara’s love of hockey didn’t end with her own children. She was known to be in the stands supporting her grandchildren, cowbell in hand. The hockey friends made along the way became more like family.
Barbara supported and loved being at any function for her family. Be it hockey, softball, swimming or cheerleading, she was always there to cheer them on. She watched with so much admiration as each of her granddaughters danced on the stage at their reviews.
Barbara lost the love of her life on October 6, 2013. Although losing a piece of herself, she continued to have many adventures. She traveled with friends and her family as often as she could. She loved traveling to Nashville for the annual CMA Music Festival and had the trip of a lifetime to Greece.
Waiting for her arrival are her husband, Michael; parents, Jack and Ruby Banfield; mother and father-in-law, Jean & Kenneth Flink; and her sister and brother-in-law, Jacquelyn and John Troglia.
Barbara is survived by her children, Michael Jr and Suzanne Flink, Brent and Tanya Flink, and Amanda and Amy Noyes. She had eight grandchildren: Christian (Madison), Shelby, Tytan, Markus, Rianna, Beretta, Braden and Brinly. She also leaves behind the apples of her eyes – her three great-grandchildren Mason, Elly and Amelia. She is survived by her sister Joan (Joe) Merzlak; brother Bill (Sandy) Banfield; sister-in-law Mary Kay (Carl) Byrne; and brothers’-in-law Tom (Dianne), John (Jennifer), Ron (Pam), and Jim (Cece) Flink. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
We cherish the thought of mom and dad embracing once again!
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 30th at the Butte Brewing & Pizza Company, 465 E Galena St in Butte.
Please visit below to share a memory or offer Barbara’s family a condolence.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Barbara and her family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Butte Brewery & Pizza Company
465 E Galena St
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday May 30, 2024
Butte Brewery & Pizza Company
465 E Galena St
Butte, Montana 59701
Share
Judie Tilman says
The world seems like a much lonelier place without Barb. My heart goes out to all of her family. She was a gift to all of us and I know I will treasure my memories of her and the great experiences we shared. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Judie Tilman
Judie Tilman says
The world like feels like a lonelier place without Barb. My heart goes out to all of her family. She was a gift to all of us and I know I treasure my memories of her and the experiences we shared. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Judie Tilman
Steve Dunfee says
I remember Barb and Mike working at Office Products in the 80’s. Barb was always so very nice and energetic. Rest in peace, Barb. Your family awaits, your heavenly father embraces.
Bob Nicholson says
I am really sad to hear of her passing. I have very fond memories of the time that we spent together in Junior High and all of the laughs that we shared. The world is a little bit lonelier knowing that she has passed. I wish her family my deepest condolences.
Charlene Warren says
I am so very sad to hear of Barbs passing. Can’t say I’ve ever seen this lil gal without a smile on her face. Sincere condolences to Barbs kids and family members. 💜🙏💜
JoAnn Barkell says
I sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to say ‘goodbye “to a love one. Sincere condolences to her children, and family.Hugs Joan.
💕🥀
Tamara Ryan Brody says
Barb was a very special cousin to my Mom and all of my siblings. She was always fun and ready for an adventure. I am especially grateful to have joined her, Mom, and several other cousins multiple times in recent years at their “Cousins’ Lunch” at the Montana Club. I know how devastated Barb was when Mike died, so I, too, am grateful for their reunion even though she will be so dearly missed by so many.
Leaona Dorcheus says
I loved Barb. She got me to go on my first cruise and I have been crushing ever since thru Jeri Gross. See was a wonderful friend and so much fun on the cruise. Rest in peace Barb.
Robin Ryan says
Oh, how I would love to be on that cruise in heaven- Barb, Mike, Jaquie, Johnny, Sharon and Mick Ryan, Gloria and Wes Secord, Gramma Lois, Ruby and Jack and all the others gone before. The warm embraces, smiles and stories of their lifetimes for eternity. Barb, thank you, for always checking in on the Ryan’s, your care, compassion and family connection meant so much. Rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to Joan, the kids and grans.
John&Karren Cannon says
We are so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan Leland says
Barb brightened every day that we sat at the Y watching our grandchildren learn to swim. We laughed, shared, became friends. The world has lost a good one. My heart breaks for the family.
Michael Gardner says
Barb was my cousin and only 2 years younger so we saw a lot of each other. The times growing up and learning to swim at Potosi when we camped were some of the best memories I have. The barbeques in Jack and Ruby’s backyard were a summer time event for us kids. I remember sitting on their living room floor on a Sunday afternoon to watch the Virginian on TV in color when Ruby bought the first color TV and that was the only show the station showed in color. Rest in peace Barb, your struggle is over.
Deb (Salmonsen) Burton says
So sorry for your loss. Your Mom was always so fun to be around. I will always remember the good times traveling for hockey and the many Banfield gatherings.
Marcus Courtney says
Sorry for your loss. Mike and Barbara were solid neighbors and fun to see the families always over at her house. In later years loved to her with her favorite dogs who were cute. May her memory be a blessing. My sympathies to everyone as hard to say good bye to a parent.
Rob Wenger says
So very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you and your families.
Stacey Corbitt says
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Barb was truly one of the best, and her sweet heart will surely be missed by so many. I hope you all smile when you think about the heavenly reunion of your Mom and Dad.
Jeff Miller says
Deepest sympathies to all of Barb’s family. Bard was a great and very classy lady. Rest in Peace Barb!
Rayelynn Brandl says
I loved Barb. Her joy always shined through. Her laugh would cut across the room and I always knew that Barb was in the house! She made a big impact on my heart, believing in me and supporting me (and my mom).
You will be missed.
Darlene Allen says
Mike, I was so sorry hearing about the loss of your mom. She arranged many trips for us along with your dad and you when you took over. She always had a smile for everyone and made things so much easier for travel and accommodations. She will be missed but know her memory will be remembered by many who cared for her.
Lone Wonderer says
Grama Barb truly embraced what it meant to live life to the fullest. Whether it was traveling the seas, or riding in new cars that went too fast for her liking. May she fly through air with ease, and see those salty seas.
Marissa Torres says
Barb was one of the kindest and classiest women I’ve ever known. My deepest condolences to Mike and Brent.