Barbara Jean Dehle

Barbara Jean Dehle left this earth for a better place on 23 November 2024.

She was born 22 April 1935 near Stevensville, Montana, the daughter of Robert Anson Tull and wife Iva Jane McKinney. She was preceded in death by both parents and a brother Joseph Kelch.

Barbara attended the Stevensville schools then began a career with Pacific Northwest Bell, in Spokane Washington. She began there as an information operator and retired in the Davision Traffic office there. It was in Spokane where she met the love of her life, Darius A Dehle, they married there in the Central Methodist church 31 August 1963. She had sung in that church choir for almost 10 years. Darius career with Southern Pacific required them to move frequently and Barbara enjoyed redecorating the homes they acquired in Oregon, California and here in San Antonio. Their son Derek Andrew Dehle was born in Eugene Oregon. Darius passed in 2004, having joined the Windcrest Volunteer Fire department after retirement from the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Barbara was a proud member of Chapter H, PEO, an organization that helped young women continue their education.

Barbara was also a long-time member of the San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society and Library, having held several offices throughout the years, and enjoyed training the new librarians and teaching the Beginners Genealogy Classes for many years. She also contributed to the Quilt Group of that society, using her skills as a seamstress. While working, she had made her own suits and outfits, as well as making clothing for her grandchildren when they were young.

Passionate about genealogy, Barbara was a member of the San Antonio De Bexar Chapter od DAR, as well as the Colonail Dames 17th Century Robert Chapter of DAR, as well as the Colonail Dames 17th Century Robert Speer Chapter. Barbara traced her family to the early 1500’s in England, and 1700’s in Germany and several other counties. Always at the ready to help others, 8 of her high school classmates’ ancestry was done for them as well. She once said that she might know more about many of the settlers of the Bitterroot Valley in Montana than the present residents do, being related to uncounted settlers of that area. She also was a member of the Bitterroot Museum and Historical Society, in Hamilton, Mongana as well as several other genealogy-based societies.

Sometimes called the cul de sac Mom, when the neighborhood boys were young, as one of the few stay at home mothers, the boys could count on her for rides to their Little League, Scouts, soccer practices and games. She also opened the door for many sessions of Legos, and later for access to the pool table.

Barbara loved gardening although she had slowed down in the past few years, but many potted plants flourished, in the front and back of her home.

Barbara is survived by her son Derek Andrew Dehle and wife Patricia: grandchildren Jason Dehle, Sarah Dehle, Ian Dehle and wife Bea, Deeann Boldway and husband Steven and Kenzie Dehle: great grandchildren Kiley, Kaylynn, Jane: sister, Bonnie Nickerson. There are also several nieces and nephews in Montana, Texas and Alaska.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society at 911 Melissa Drive San Antonio Tx 78213 or the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department at 8601 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest, Tx 78239