Barbara Jeannette White

Barbara Jeanette Williamson White, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 88, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson, Montana.

Barbara was born on August 1, 1936, in Harlowton, Montana, to Floyd and Nora Williamson. She married Doug White in 1953, and together they raised a loving family of four children. Though their marriage ended in 1979, Barbara later found lasting companionship with her significant other, Allen Clark McCready, with whom she shared many cherished years.

Throughout her life, Barbara worked in a variety of roles that showcased her strength and resilience. She was a secretary at Lamb Weston in Quincy, WA, and at Lake Sheet Metal in Polson, MT. She also worked at St. Joseph Hospital, The Hut Café, Pier 93, and even planted trees at Plum Creek. She worked as a bartender and barmaid at local favorites including The Salish, Black Beards Cove, The Diamond Horseshoe, the Elks Lodge, the Club Bar, and in Conrad, MT. Later, she worked as a bookkeeper and maid at the Starlight Motel.

Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She was the heart of every gathering, bringing warmth, laughter, and love wherever she went. She remembered every birthday and special date in her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s lives. Always there when you needed her, Barbara offered support, wisdom, and unconditional love. She was a kind, caring, and giving woman who consistently put the needs of others before her own.

In her free time, she enjoyed going to Las Vegas, taking cruises, gambling, and playing pinochle and cribbage—activities that reflected her sharp mind and joyful spirit.

Barbara was compassionate, kind, and supportive to all who knew her. Her presence was a source of comfort and strength, and her legacy of love will live on in every life she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Nora Williamson; her brother, Floyd Michael Williamson; her infant son, Douglas Allen White; and her grandson, Brett Wilson.

Barbara is survived by her loving partner, Allen McCready; her children Glenn White, Anita “Koko” (Todd) Herried, Lorey (Jeff) Jackson, and Corey (Gina) White; her sister, Robin (Dick) Burland; her former son-in-law, Shane Wilson; 10 grandchildren—Mike, Brad, Brock (Jessica), Garrett, Catherine (Eddie), Sean (Karsyn), Kristinna, Corey D. (Brittany), Aubrey (Derek), and Douglas—and 22 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Easton, Hadley, Shiann, Jordan, Shiine, Sundown, Brett, Ryeley, Sage, Epiffany, Suraiya, EJ, Brodie, Matthew, Elizabeth, Adalee, Taylor, Dalton, Noah, Peyton, and Bristol.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Polson Cemetery for family and close friends. A celebration of Barbara’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Polson Senior Center, 701 1st Street East.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.