Barbara Gay Erlandson, 79, of Helena, formerly of Evaro, passed away August 9, 2023. Barbara was the first baby of the new year born on January 1, 1944 in Missoula to Doris and Albert Paul. She grew up in Dixon where her family owned the local store. When Barb was 5 she contracted polio but she was strong and never let that stop her. Barbara married Carl Erlandson in 1966. Together they built a home in Evaro where they lived for over 50 years. Barbara worked at Western Federal bank for 20 years while she raised her children. She loved spending time with family and friends, watching wildlife in her backyard, and taxiing all of the neighborhood kids to school and 4-H events. Barb was a giver, doing everything she could to make our world a better place. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Esther. Barbara is survived by her husband Carl, daughter Kim (Wayne), son Adam (Louisa), sister Sharon, brothers-in-law Bob (Rachel) and Ken (Marcia), granddaughters Emily, Halie, Katie, and Mackenzie, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the wonderful Hospice caregivers who came to her aid as she battled dementia. The family will be having a celebration of life, which will be held June 22, 2024 at Playfair Park in Missoula, MT at noon. Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.