Barbara Oser Potzman

Barbara Oser Potzman was born on Oct. 6, 1954, in Billings, Montana, to William and Raetta Oser. Barbie came out of the chute with spirit, exuberance and confidence. Barbara knew what she liked, what she wanted and, eventually, she knew exactly how to go about accomplishing all of her dreams. When Bill and Rae told her they were buying her a watch for her high school graduation, she quickly informed them that if they didn’t get her a bike, she would sell the watch and buy a bike for herself.

Barb was a good worker. Her first “profession” was babysitter. All through her life, she was a master at taking good care of children. And the children loved her. She was strict and playful and direct. They knew what her rules were and they enjoyed endless hours of playful learning and love. She took good care of us all.

In high school, Barb met her life partner. If you have ever seen true love, you know that Barb and Dennis … were just that, Barb and Dennis. Yin and Yang, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Bonnie and Clyde. May we all find such love. Barb was born to be a mama. Barb loved on her girls, with that transparent directness, and got the ultimate joy sculpting and molding two little lives. When she quit college to support her husband through school, she promised her dad that she would graduate. In May of 1988, she received her BS in Information Systems with a 4.0.

Barb could do it all. Being her friend was an adventure of love because Barb had an exuberance and a love for life that was infectious. She threw the best birthdays for her girls, grew an incredible garden, knit sweaters for herself and her grandkids, cooked and hosted dinner for friends, mentored business associates, started her own businesses, hung wallpaper, sewed her girls prom dresses and so much more. She was truly “ONE OF A KIND.” Dennis liked to boast that his wife could clean, cut and cook all wild game. In her 50s, she took a shot at selling real estate. With nowhere to go but UP, Barb opened Pinnacle Properties of Montana.

Barb fought a courageous battle with cancer. She was the most positive, inspired, faithful patient. She truly believed, until three weeks before her death, that she would beat this beast. Barb decided on April 1st that she would join the Lord, her Savior, on Easter Sunday. And, by golly, she did. On April 17, 2022, Barb leapt into her Lord’s arms. Throughout the journey, Barbara’s faith was unwavering.

Barbara is survived by Dennis Potzman, her husband of 47 years. She leaves behind two daughters: Josie Donnelly (Chris), Betsy Dernbach (Adam); and four grandchildren: Sloane Donnelly, Dyllan Donnelly, Walker Dernbach and Westyn Dernbach. She is also survived by her honorary daughter, Kristen Jorgenson Arnold (Scott) and their two daughters, Brynley and Ryley. Barb is also survived by her sister, Connie Oser. Barb and Connie grew up close to their cousins, Mark and Beverly Parker. Those four considered themselves siblings. Connie, Mark and Beverly remain. She leaves behind countless cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding her in death were her  parents, her parents-in-law and two brothers-in-law, David Healow and Darryl Graff.

A memorial celebration will be at 2 p.m. in the afternoon on Sunday, May 1, at Anipro Event Center, south of Absarokee.

In lieu of flowers, please make a small donation to one of Barb’s favorite charities: Project Hope of Columbus, Montana (https://columbuscommunityfoundation.org/about/project-hope).