Barbara Tucker

Barbara (Steele) Tucker, 67, of Sallisaw, Okla., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, in Sallisaw.

She was born Nov. 12, 1946, in St. Ignatius, Mont., the daughter of Josephine Morigeau Steele and Matthew "Swede" Steele. She was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes.

She started schooling in California and graduated in 1964 from Arlee High School. That fall she attended the Institute of American Indian arts in Santa Fe, N.M. She studied in the arts, music and opera for two years, then transferred to MSU-Bozeman to continue with a degree. She had a gift of song. A highlight of her life was dancing at the White House for President Johnson.

She met her first husband, Robert H Cotton, while attending MSU-Bozeman. They then relocated to Glasgow to be closer to Bob's family. From this union four children were born.

While living in Glasgow, she was employed at the First National Bank for several years and later at Capital Savings Bank. She sold Home Interior decorating and Tupperware for a time. She is also remembered for the beautiful wedding and specialty cakes as well as floral arrangements she made for an extra income. During her years in Glasgow she was a member of the Cowbells, enjoyed painting, bowling, volleyball and participated in the "Red Stocking Follies" at Fort Peck Summer Theater.

She married Ron Tucker in October 1986 and relocated to Lewistown with her four children. While in Lewistown, she pursued her love of gardening, transforming her yard into works of art. She gained employment as Fergus County deputy superintendent of schools for a time and devoted her life to being active in church-related ministries.

She and Ron later relocated to Oklahoma, where she continued her love of gardening, home decorating and serving the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Melvin, Harold and Robert "Robbie" and John Steele; and a sister, Carol Steele Pierre.

Survivors include three daughters, Collette Cotton of Glasgow, Elissa Cotton of Sallisaw, Okla., and Joanna Cotton and Bryon Messig; one son, Lane Cotton and his wife, Erica, of Belgrade; her husband, Ron Tucker; 16 grandchildren; four sisters, Beverly Steele of Dixon, Mont., Betty Steele, Yvonne Grenier and Denise Steele, all of Arlee; two brothers, Jim Steele Sr. of Polson, and Jody Steele of Arlee; several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Sallisaw, with Rev. Mike Glass officiating. Burial followed at Sallisaw City Cemetery under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home.

Viewing was from 1–8 p.m. Saturday and 2–8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Active pallbearers were Lane Cotton, Christian Tucker, Alias McKnight, Loy Gragg, Bryon Messig, Bryan F. Jenner, Cody Vann, Levi Catron and Denny Thedford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: VOM; P.O. Box 443; Bartlesville, OK 74005 or Faith Covenant International; P.O. Box 2570; Parker, CO 80134