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Barbara Babbitt Obituary
at home sur-rounded by her family. She was born February 4, 1936, in St. Paul, Minn., the daughter of Pearl and John Oliver, who predeceased her, and was the second oldest of four siblings. She married Elton "Buzz" Babbitt September, 17, 1955. Together they worked in the transportation industry and formed a trucking company called Montgomery Tank Lines, which grew to be the second largest tank truck company in the U.S. by 1997. In addition to building a successful business, Barb and Buzz built a large close knit family to which they dedicated their lives. Mrs. Babbitt was preceded in death by her husband, Buzz, in September of 2007. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Marty Malinowski; son and daughter-in-law, Gordon and Barbara Babbitt; daughter and son in law, Jeanette and Henry Howard; nine grand-children, Sara, Lindsay, Dana, Sean, Dale, Kyle, Austin, Nick and Maggie; and sisters, Peg Wagner, Pat Nellis, and Judy O'Reilly.
A private service took place in her home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to one of Barb's favorite charities, Operationsmile.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Babbitt
Sponsored by anonymously.
Gene
May 31, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Barb and Buzz, we love you and miss you always.
Nancy Groth
May 29, 2021
One of my mom’s best friends. Only time I ever saw my dad cry was when Buzz died. Great people and great friends to my folks
Gene Patten
May 30, 2020
May God continue to grant Barb and Buzz eternal rest. Amen.
Nancy Groth
May 29, 2020
My parents were best friends with the Babbitts. Only time I saw my dad cry is when Buzz passed. An awesome family. Many a good memory with them up at long lake. Great times.
Nancy Groth
May 29, 2019
Barb and Buzz were my parents best friends. One of the only times I saw either of my folks cried was at the passing of Barb and Buzz. Incredible people that raised incredible kids
Gene Patten
June 14, 2011
Dear Robin, Jannie and Gordy - I am very sorry to hear about Barb passing away; she was a remarkable lady and it was wonderful to have known her. Barb and Buzz were an amazing team, as parents and tank-truckers! Nothing but good memories of them... Please accept my sympathy and prayers.
Kathy (Kaput) O'Gara
June 10, 2011
So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing.
Barb was a wonderful person, and I was
happy to have known her. She made me feel like part of your family since I started MTL at 17.
please accept my deepest sympathy
Jim, Linda, Kerry & Jimmy Garner
June 8, 2011
Dear Robin, Gordy, and Janny,
Barb was a woman of remarkable strength and kindness. She was a shining example of how to live your life with integrity, grace, laughter, and love. The world is a much better place because she was here. Barb & Buzz had a huge impact on our family and we will never forget them. We love you all.
Maribeth McNally
June 8, 2011
Janny, So sorry to hear about your mom's death , I know it is hard. I hope your beautiful memories of Barb will bring you some joy at this difficult time. Barb was such a nice lady , May she rest in peace with her loving husband Buzz. Take care , Keeping you in my prayers
Moll McAvoy-Flynn
June 7, 2011
Janny-
I hope you are doing ok, losing your mom is one of the hardest things in life. There is no one like MOM. Your mom made me feel right at home in your Willow Springs house when I would visit. I will always remember when you and your mom took me to see ET. Take care and I am thinking of you and your family.
John Harrer
June 6, 2011
Dear Babbitt Family, I miss all of you everyday. Buzz and Barb made me feel like part of the family and treated my like one of their own. I am so fortunate to have worked for Montgomery Tank Lines and with your family. I am so sorry for your loss, but know that all of the good memories will be with you forever. God Bless All of You! Love, John "Johnny Fever" Harrer
June 6, 2011
Dear Babbitt Family,
I have such terrific memories of golfing with Buzz and enjoying all the stories he shared about he and my Dad. Your Mom's special fruit cocktail dessert has been a staple in our home and shared with many family and friends.
Two very special people who will be missed. Our sincere condolences.
Greg and Susan Groth
Bill and Sherrie Alexander
June 6, 2011
Gordy, Robin, and Jannie,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your mom please accept our condolences. Barb was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Words alone can’t express the love, guidance and generosity your parents have shown over the years.
Your family is always in our prayers.
Linda Groth Holmes
June 6, 2011
To the Babbitt Family,
You had two of the nicest people in the world as your Mom and Dad. No one who was lucky enough to know them will ever forget either them as they were loved by us all. Some of our best memories as children were going up to the lake and eating walleye and having fun. My parents, John and Katie Groth, still speak of your folks all of the time and what terrific people they were. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Linda Groth Holmes
June 6, 2011
Dear Janny, Robin and Gordy,
Although I havn't seen your Mom in years, I can see her face clearly in my mind! The many years of summer memories from Long Lake in Wisconsin will forever be some of the best times in my life. I'm so thankful that my parents met your folks all those years ago as their friendship was just priceless! Your Mom, and your Dad will be missed terribly by all--knowing they are together once again, hopefully, is a comforting thought!
So sorry for your loss!
Patty (Groth) Newbrough
June 6, 2011
Gordy, Robin and Jannie, we are so very sorry at the lose of your mother. Ed and I are both going over all the fun times we spent with them and are having tons of tears and smiles. They where the best friends to almost the world and to us and we felt honored to have loved them both.....Hugs to you...Judy & Ed Lewis, Fort Myers, FL
.
Cary Groth
June 6, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear about Mrs. Babbitt . Growing up with the Babbitt family was one of the best things a child could ask for....Buzz and Barb were unbelievable to my family...treated us Groth kids like we were one of their own. Mrs Babbitt kept everyone grounded and knew no strangers. I will always feel blessed to have such wonderful memories of her and Buzz.
Joe Malinowski
June 6, 2011
We would like to express our sincere condolences at the loss of your Mother, Your parents always made us feel so at home whenever we came to visit and were so much fun to be around, we will surely miss her. Please let us know if there is anything we can do! Joe, Cecile, Joey and Morgan.
June 6, 2011
Gordy, Robin, Janie...Barb and Buzz were very special people, Good friends and a dynamic team. They changed the course of our lives and we will forever be greatful. The world is a better place because they visited for a short time.
Clarence & Ramona Wasson
June 6, 2011
Gordy,Robin and Jannie,
Your mom and dad were very personable people and really did enjoy working with them as an affililate terminal out of Memphis, TN . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Larry and Lyndia Head
Sue Maloney
June 6, 2011
Lets celebrate your life then we can go on celebrating forever. You were so kind and giving to so many people who knew you. RIP Barb, thank you for all you've done for me. I will never forget it.
Brad Bost
June 6, 2011
Barb and Buzz were a great pair. They complemented each other in every way. They lived a great life and raised a great family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kathy Major
June 5, 2011
Gordy, Robin and Jannie
I always considered Barb and Buzz my Guardian Angels on Earth. Now they really are. I am so sorry.
Kathy (Blackman) Major
John & Katie Groth
June 5, 2011
Dear Robin, Gordy, Janny
We send you all of our love and sympathy. One time a person asked me who I thought the nicest people I ever met, I told them John and I met two people from St. Paul and they were the most honest, caring and super parents to their kids. They turned out to be our very best friends and we treasured their friendship.
Buzz was John's soulmate. And Barb was always a very good friend to both of us.
I am sure she got a big hug from her soulmate when she got to heaven. Don't forget us, we love you all and hope to see you again.
Love, John and Katie Groth
June 5, 2011
Dear Robin, Gordy, Janny- John and I send all our love and sympthy to all of you and your families. I once was asked who made the most impression on me and I said we had some very good friends from St. Paul that were our best friends and they were the most honest people , giving people and the best parents to their kids that I knew. Buzz was John's soul mate and Barb a very good friend to both of us. I'm sure she got a big hug when she got to heaven to meet her soulmate. Don't forget us and our thoughts are with all of you. John and Katie Groth
nancy groth
June 4, 2011
Gordy, Robin and Jannie....i knew how special both your parents were, having known them for most of my life thanks to the friendship they developed with my parents, a friendship that lasted over 4 decades - i feel very blessed to have known them. i hope that you and your families are doing well. please know that all of us Groths are thinking of you and are with you all in spirit!
Nancy Groth
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