Obituary of Barbara Jean Meier

Barbara Jean Meier was born to the late Joe and Margaret Lansford on August 6, 1955, in Mercedes TX. She spent her formative year in Weslaco TX. During her time in school, she excelled in many extracurricular activities including track and field, basketball, cheerleading, and choir. Singing was one of her first loves, and she competed in many high school vocal competitions. Singing was an activity she carried with her for the rest of her life. Barbara always had a knack for organization that helped her during her working life. She spent 14 years with Louisiana Pacific Lumber company starting as a personnel secretary and moving up to an Export Executive Secretary where her duties were arranging shipping for overseas sales, dealing directly with overseas clients, and arranging travel arrangements for the Export manager. After moving to Montana, she worked with customs brokers in Sweetgrass, MT and in retail sales in Great Falls. Barbara had an engaging personality that made her a successful salesperson no matter what she was selling. She was always in the running for top salesperson. She won many sales competitions, winning prizes from shoes to bicycles along the way. Barbara loved interior design and had a talent that cannot be taught. She had an eye for color, shape, and detail that allowed her to see and create things that others just didn’t see. Her house always amazed people as they thought they had just walked into a Country Home or Country Living magazine. She didn’t do it professionally but could have. She helped friends with many projects over the years. Barbara moved to Sunburst, MT in 1994 after visiting her sister and family. At Sunburst Methodist Church she met Roderick Meier, D.V.M. Little did she know then that he was the love of her life and that she was his. They were married on July 19, 1997, and spent the next 27 happy years together. Barbara lived for her family, always enjoying family get-togethers and hosting many of them. If anyone couldn’t find something they liked to eat, it didn’t exist because she always had special things for everyone. She was an excellent cook and fantastic hostess. Everyone loved coming to her house whether it was a holiday, a boys’ basketball team for a tournament, or just a weekend to relax. Barbara went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2024, after a long battle with ALS. She never gave up. Barbara was predeceased by her parents; brother, Michael Lansford; and sister, Janet Chandler. She is survived by husband, Roderick Meier D.V.M.; daughter, Carolyn (Brandon) Proctor; granddaughters, Lena and Charlotte; sister and brother-in-law, Lana and Scott Somerville; nieces, Melissa and Jessica; and nephew Shane, and their families. Also, among those who will grieve her passing is Marsha Russell, her childhood friend of 55 years. In lieu of flowers, donations to Peace Hospice are suggested (Benefis Health System Foundation; PO Box 7008; Great Falls MT 59406-9905). Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.