In Memoriam: Barbara Elvy Strate

“Don’t cry for me for I will be,

With every whisper of the trees,

With every flutter of a butterfly that passes by,

With every flower that blooms,

And drifting on the clouds in the sky,

Don’t cry for me.”

A small family memorial service for Barbara Esme Jessamine Elvy Strate (1923-2012) was held at the Strate family home in Bigfork on July 25, 2013.

David Strate, the eldest son, conducted the ceremony which included an invocation from grandson, Scott Strate, of Monument, Colo. Barbara’s life sketch was read by two granddaughters, Shari Strate Brown, of Ogden, Utah, and Jennifer Strate, of Bendigo, Australia.  

Following personal comments from attendees, the above poem was read by all the great grandchildren. Barbara had written this poem specifically for her memorial.

Following closing remarks and a prayer by great grandson, Brayden Strate, of Monument, Colo., a balloon and butterfly release was completed from the hillside by the house, which had been Barbara and Sherman’s home for the past 40 years.

The balloons were lavender and white and all the origami butterflies attached to the balloons were made by family members.

Barbara Esme Jessamine Elvy Strate passed away quietly at her home in Missoula, Dec. 1, 2012.  

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Sherman, who still resides at Grizzly Peak in Missoula; four children, David Strate, Missoula, Jan Strate Esquivel, Medford, Ore., Jil Strate Eisenhauer, Enumclaw, Wash., and James Strate, Rochester, Victoria, Australia; their spouses; seven grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren.