Barb Willis, a long time Missoula People First member, passed away on March 2. Barb will always be remembered for her years as part of the Missoula Valley People First/AKtion Club. She was a strong self-advocate and it showed it with all that she did with People First serving as chapter president, secretary and treasurer. She was also active in the People First of Montana Senate where she served as secretary for 6 years. Barb was always determined that her disability would not stop her. She learned to drive and bought a car when others assumed she would always use the bus, she was able to purchase a home after many years of renting. She was one of the first in Montana who was able to use her Section 8 voucher toward purchasing a home, and she also served on committees to help make the home buying process easier for other people with disabilities.
Barb’s cheerful and positive attitude may be gone but her spirit will continue on with the People First chapters in Montana.
