Virginia Barhight

Virginia J. Barhight, 90, of Great Falls completed her journey home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 1, 2015 at Peace Hospice.A memorial service for Virginia will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at First Alliance Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Virginia was born May 11, 1924 in Saco, Montana to Howard and Sylvia (Hoyer) Newton. In December 1943, Virginia married Thomas F. Furlong. Together they had nine children. Tom and Virginia later divorced in 1970. Virginia later married Neal Barhight (deceased) in 1974.Virginia was born and raised on a homestead farm north of Saco, and attended school in a one room schoolhouse. She and her two sisters would ride in a sleigh or on a horse to school, while working on the 720 acre family farm. She attended college in Havre MT, where she received a teaching degree. She loved and appreciated sports, basketball especially, and in 1942 was a National Champion for Target Sharp Shooting.Virginia was a long time member of First Alliance Church (42 Years), working at the Church as the bookkeeper until 2006. Virginia worked as an Accountant at the Malmstrom AFB Commissary from 1973 until 1993. She enjoyed a good game of cards or Words with Friends, and her home was host to many lively game nights.Virginia is survived by 8 children, her sons and daughters are: Tim (Neats) Furlong, Goldendale, WA, Joe (Glenda) Furlong of Clinton, UT, Norah (Russ) Osenbach of Burlington, WA, Pat (Claudette) Furlong of Great Falls, Merri (Cathy) Furlong of Chicago, IL, Anna Rummel of Great Falls, MT, Stasia Forrest of Imperial Beach, CA and Janan Schools of Port Jervis, NY; 23 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild and was very proficient in the use of computer technology to keep in contact with all of them.Virginia was preceded in death by sisters, Bernice Licht and Violet Green; half-brother Les Newton; daughter Jacqueline Furlong; and grandchild Karri Furlong.Virginias faith was the cornerstone of her life and she loved to share her experience, strength, and hope with others. She was a dear, sweet mentor, friend, mother, grandmother, and prayer warrior for her church and family, and loved by all.Virginia was a dear, sweet mentor, friend, mother, grandmother, and prayer warrior for her church and family, and loved by all.In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be to First Alliance Church or Peace Hospice of Great Falls.