Barbara Ruth Agocs was born in Brooklyn, New York on Nov. 21, 1929, to May (Cohn) and Benjamin Sweedler. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1951 where she met her future husband, Herb Agocs. Herb and Barbara were married in Philadelphia on May 28, 1954. The couple set up house in Port Deposit, Maryland, and then moved to Bozeman, Montana, in 1956 when Herb became part of the Bobcat Football coaching staff at Montana State University (MSU).
Barbara was a stay-at-home mom until 1968 when she went to work part-time at MSU’s College of Agriculture. She later worked as the grant coordinator for the City of Bozeman, a public relations representative for the Montana State 308 Water Quality Study, manager of the Bozeman Symphony and executive director of United Way of Bozeman.
Barbara considered herself an amateur athlete. She loved to ice skate, ski, play tennis and drive fast. She was also an avid spectator. One of Barbara’s treasured memories was attending the 1992 French Open Tennis Tournament in Paris, France. Barbara was a dog lover, musician, author, teacher, and woman of culture. She played the piano for several years and loved opera and classical music. She wrote and self-published a small book, “The Spacious Heart”, based on her life lessons. She was an avid reader. Barbara enjoyed entertaining, was an accomplished cook, and set a beautiful table. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was lightning-quick with one-liners.
Barbara’s faith was her greatest contribution to her family and friends. She was a true woman of God – rich in the knowledge of Christ.
Barbara is survived and well-loved by her three daughters and their husbands and children — Paige and Dan Payne, Perrie and Tom Lyon, and Phoebe and Arturo Benitez; five grandchildren — Jared Payne (Sharaya), Joe King, Tanya Crehan (Enda), Max Payne (Laurel); and eight grandchildren – Beaudry, Ryerson, Kalom, Taebeck, and Kohven Payne; Ruairi and Eamon Crehan and Laramie Payne.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Should you wish to remember Barbara with a gift, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Butte Silver Bow – Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter, 155 W Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701, or Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Barbara. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Barbara and her family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Sue MacPherson says
Barbie was a beautiful lady. You gals did your mom proud. The article of her life was so enjoyable to read.
I have the best memories of our years together. She leaves a wonderful legacy in her family and all the people she touched
Love to you all.
Sue
Joy MacPherson says
I remember so many fun times with Barbara and the Agocs family – on skis, playing tennis, at Flathead Lake, celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas, and bundled up to sing Christmas carols. I remember her bright eyes, lively smile, and invitation to join in the fun.
With Love, Joy
Kendra Owen says
Barb was an amazing woman! Her love for God & her family & friends leaves a sacred living legacy.
Her sense of adventure & purpose-driven life are inspirational. 💓
Betsey Putnam says
Reading this Article of Life was like looking through the glass at the wonderful, fulfilling, exciting and loving life of your mom. Although I did not know her Perrie you are the shining example of all her hopes and dreams manifested through her children. By your kind, loving and giving example and your accomplishments you have made her proud. May she rest now, in Peace
Mauren Tunby says
The Agocs family went to my church Hope Lutheran in Bozeman, Montana. I always was in awe of the Agocs family, Barbara and Herb were such great parents who dearly loved their three amazing daughters.
Now Barbara is with Herb. Hugs to Paige, Pierrie and Phoebe and family now and in the coming days.
Mollie Schwartz says
Perrie, I didn’t have the privilege of knowing your mother but her story is amazing. Every woman should live such a full life. You and your family are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful mother. May she rest in peace in God’s loving arms.
Doug Lavine says
Barbara was my aunt and one of my favorite people in the world. She was my mother’s younger sister. Their lives took them in very different directions, but they were both very smart and very intuitive and–I say this with love and respect–just a little bit zany in a delightful and fun way. Barbara marched to her own drummer. She grew up in a dysfunctional family setting but that provided a platform for her deep spiritual search and her commitment to live a healthy and helping life. She enjoyed life with all its ups and downs. Like everyone in our family, she venerated her father Benjamin Sweedler, a brilliant man who was a patriarch in the family, as well as a patent lawyer and a fine figure skater–as she was.Her faith was her rock, along with her marvelous husband Herb and her three fantastic children–Paige, Perrie and Phoebe– who she adored. I own and read a copy of a book she wrote about her spiritual journey. We talked often about faith and religion and life and about topics deep and light even though I lived in New York and now Connecticut. I spent time with her whenever possible and visited her in Bozeman and Scottsdale and then Butte. We had a wonderful joint birthday celebration for her and my mother–they were born only a day apart in different years–at our house in West Hartford 15 years ago. During the Watergate hearings, I visited her, and she and Herb were flummoxed by the fact that I chose to watch the hearings, rather than engage in outdoor activities, but they let me alone. I visited her about two-and-a-half years ago and we had a wonderful time together. I had a chance to explore Butte and go to Yellowstone, a real treat for me, and visit with family members I had never met. I called her all the time just to say hello and chat. I always ended each conversation by telling her I loved her and she would say the same thing to me. She had a sharp wit and a sassy side which was a function of her piercing intellect and spirit. She was well-read and cultured and loved classical music. She hated pretense and phoniness. My wife Lucretia enjoyed her company and enjoyed talking with her and she reciprocated the feeling. My daughter Julia stayed with her 10 years ago in Scottsdale when she was heading up to Flagstaff to do a stint with AmeriCorps. Julia appreciated her spirit and hospitality. I am now 69 and she was one of my last direct links to my early life and family of origin. I loved her deeply, with all my heart. Barbara–thank you for always being there, for your love and support and example. I will miss you but I feel your wonderful spirit will always be with me until, hopefully, we meet again on the other side. With much love and deep respect for your journey and life, Doug [Lavine], West Hartford, CT.
Marie Clark says
The last time I saw Barb was in Paige’s living room. Jared’s 4 oldest, very active sons were also there and played with a Nerf ball while the three of us visited. Although the Nerf ball bounces off Barb’s head several times she managed to remained involved in our conversation, involved in the boys play and fairly unfazed. I can’t say for sure if that ball flying off Barb’s head was intentional or not but I do know that the incident speaks to how comfortable the boy were around their Grandmother. I am grateful for the memory of such a delightful interaction that showed Barb’s sense of humor and fun loving character.
Joni Wruck Hagler says
Condolences to the family and friends of Barb Agocs. We grew up together and always respected both Herb and Barb. It is comforting to know your parents are at peace together in heaven.
Sybil Johnson Steadman says
I have many fond childhood memories of your Mom since we grew up together in Bozeman. Then I saw your Mom in Butte at the Montana Club, I went over to say hi and she remembered me! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and rejoicing that you will see her again in heaven. Sybil Johnson Steadman
Richard M Shanahan says
A very quality and Classy Lady. May she “Rest in Peace” God Bless.
Nancy Hoffer says
Barb made a big impact on my life. We were on the Hope Lutheran Church Council together, and I remember one particular incident when we were discussing transients coming to the church to request assistance. One person asked, “How do we know they really need help, rather than just going along collecting money from many organizations?” Barb replied, “I’d rather err on the side of grace.” Her words have stayed with me, and I often hear them where I live now in a neighborhood filled with the poor, transients, homeless, ex cons, and jobless. Barb was indeed a special person.
Sharon Tudor Isler says
I fondly remember your mom. We were involved in the arts, so I saw her often. She was so proud of you girls. And such a classy, thoughtful, kind person. She will be missed by many.
Jill Hamilton MacPherson says
When I see these photos of Barb, I hear her wonderfully silly voice, which was usually followed by a lovely laugh.
Barb was a true gem and I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of having her, and all of her family, in my life.
I am forever known as “Jilly Bean” because of sweet Barbara’s coined name. I wish that we could go out for a Taaaco salad just one more time and giggle till it hurts. Love to you all.