Barbara Hentges

Barbara Jean (Wilkinson) Hentges, 89, died July 28, 2023, at her home in Frazer.

She was born Jan. 1, 1934, at her Aunt Flossie’s house on the north side of Wolf Point to William and Ione (Sugden) Wilkinson. She primarily grew up on her grandparent’s homestead on Wolf Creek, north of Wolf Point, where she rode horses and helped her grandparents with their sheep.

She graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1952. After high school, she worked for Shell Oil Company as a dispatcher. After work, she and a group of friends would go dancing when local bands would play in the Wolf Point area. At some point later, she was introduced by a friend and future sister-in-law to Edward Hentges.

The were married in 1953. Together, they had nine children and she took on the roles of wife, mother, ranch hand and farm hand. After Ed’s death in 1980, she continued farming with help at different times from her boys. She loved being a farmer and knew a lot about it. She loved animals, especially her dogs that she had over the years. She also enjoyed bird watching and reading.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Edward; sister, Joyce Steele; and brother, Billy Wilkinson.

She is survived by her children, Kip Hentges of Fort Peck, Karen Hentges of North Nashua, Kae Hentges of Queen Valley, Ariz., Ken Hentges of Wolf Point, Kevin Hentges of Frazer, Kyle Hentges of Wolf Point, Klint Hentges of Pahrump, Nev., Kristi Barnett of Glasgow and Kory Hentges of Glasgow; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There were many people that called her “Mom” or “Gramma.” Everyone came to visit her often and she enjoyed their company and they hers.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.