Barbara Louise Lyons

Barbara Louise (Kroll) Lyons passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 29, 2026, at the age of 84. Barbara was born on June 12, 1941, in Kellogg, Idaho, the youngest child of Egon H Kroll and Charlotte (Ahlquist) Kroll. She spent most of her youth in Twin Falls, Idaho and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1959. She attended the University of Idaho, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education. While at the university, she was a proud member of the Alpha Phi sorority where she met the love of her life, Frank.

Barbara and Frank (Francis J. Lyons) were married in May of 1962, and both completed their degrees in 1963, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, respect, and deep devotion to family. Together, Barbara and Frank raised three children: David Michael Lyons, Richard Kevin Lyons, and Deborah Jean (Lyons) McGuinness. Barbara was a caring and dedicated mother who created a warm, welcoming home filled with encouragement and kindness. As a family, they shared a love of the outdoors, spending winters skiing and many treasured summers at Rose Lake at the family cabin, making memories that would last a lifetime.

Barbara was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church, serving from secretary, to vestry, to choir director. She was a dedicated member of P.E.O., where she found support, friendship and sisterhood wherever she and Frank settled. Barbara was known as a cherished mother, a loving wife and partner, and a caring, supportive friend. Barbara and Frank were a model of how to value relationships and care for others, leaving a lasting example for all who knew them.

She is survived by her sons, David Michael (Kody) Lyons and Richard Kevin (Janet) Lyons; her daughter, Deborah Jean (Chris) McGuinness; and four beloved granddaughters, Kayla, Ashley, Brenna and Shea.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis J. Lyons; her parents, Egon and Charlotte Kroll; and her brother, Fredric Kroll. Barbara’s life was defined by love, family, faith, and friendship, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service for Barbara Louise Lyons will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Polson, MT.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in her honor to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Polson, MT or the PEO foundation.