Barbara Garrett

Long time Jackson resident Barbara Ann Garrett passed away peacefully at home on the morning of December 29, supported by her long time partner Jim Smith and brothers John and Anthony Klein and Anthony’s wife, Sharon.
Barb was born in Chicago, Illinois to John and Theresa Klein on September 14, 1952, the oldest of three siblings.  In 1981, a vacation to Jackson Hole turned into a lifelong endeavor, as she relocated to Jackson shortly after her return home.  She married Jeff Garrett in 1984, and they lived together in Red Top Meadows until his untimely death in 1992.
Barb worked with a local Property management company for many years, working with the MLS service.  She transitioned to the Teton Board of REALTORS, culminating in the role of Executive Officer.  Throughout her time there she developed many long term friendships and earned the respect of her colleagues in the real estate community. Barb also enjoyed traveling across the US, meeting and working with executives from boards across the country.  She retired from the Board in January 2015.  In her free time Barb loved to exercise her creativity through various crafts.  She particularly loved to knit, and used her talents making hats to donate to members of our military.  Friends and family also received many special hand made knitted gifts, hand made jewelry and beautiful hand made cards.  Barb and Jim spent many hours boating and fishing on Jackson Lake - Jim doing most of the fishing!   They also enjoyed taking advantage of the photographic opportunities in both the Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and would travel to Las Vegas every year to look for that big jackpot on the slots!
Barb was known as ‘Sis’ to her two brothers and was a loving role model to them their entire lives.  Family road trip to visit Aunt Barb included hiking Jenny Lake, gondola rides to Rendezvous Mountain, and trips to witness Old Faithful, with the added hopes for a buffalo, moose, or bear sighting in Yellowstone.  Barb was a beloved Aunt to John Klein III, Elizabeth Klein, Becka Klein, and Kelsey Klein Drain.  The family would greatly enjoy Barb’s annual holiday visits back to Chicago, which she also looked forward to every year, especially the trips downtown to see the city’s holiday lights and Chicago pizza!  Time spent at home with the family included special times baking and decorating cookies and other holiday treats.
Barb will be buried next to her deceased husband Jeff in Wilson, WY.  The family is extremely grateful for the services of the St. John’s Medical Center Home Health and Hospice over the last several months.  Dan, Carly, Christine and Michele were compassionate caregivers who helped guide us through the final days, and supported Jim as he lovingly cared for Barb.  As such the family would ask that memorial donations in Barb’s memory be made to St. John’s Medical Center Home Health and Hospice.