Barbara Lynn Abel

Barbara Lynn Abel

(May 29, 1938 – December 28, 2023)

Barbara Lynn Abel passed away peacefully in Montrose, Colorado on December 28, 2023 at the age of 85.  She was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska on May 29, 1938, and was raised in Ansley, Nebraska.  She was the daughter of Charles Thompson and Mary (Winchester) Thompson Schefcik.  She graduated with the Ansley High School Class of 1955, where she met the love of her life, Richard C. Abel.  They were married on September 4, 1955, and spent 68 years of married life together.  They spent much of their life in the Broken Bow area prior to moving to Cozad, Nebraska in 1975 where they purchased a Coast to Coast store.  Barbara was the co-owner and operator of the business, where they were dearly loved by the community.  In 1988, the family moved to Montrose, Colorado, where they purchased the Coast to Coast store there, which later became True Value, and finally the current Abel’s Ace Hardware Store, now owned by their son John and his wife, Nancy, when Richard and Barbara retired in 2003.

Barbara and Richard spent their retirement traveling numerous times to Alaska and various places, and more recently on shorter trips with their side-by-side seeing our beautiful countryside.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Russell Thompson and Mary Jane Mitera.  She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard, her sons, Richard C. (Michele) Abel, Jr., John (Nancy) Abel, brother Chuck (Carol) Thompson, step-brothers Roger (Susann) Thompson, and Dana (Sheri) Thompson, stepsisters Kimberly Schulte and Frances (Steve) Linegar, grandchildren, Chris Abel, Richard C. (Colette) Abel, III, Daniel (Emily) Abel, Katie (Jason) Buffum, Holly (Kale) Smith, great grandchildren, Bryce Abel, Trinity Abel, Kayleigh Abel, Jaxson Abel, Rilette Abel, Joey Abel, Jace Abel, Olivia Buffum and Nolan Smith, and many other family members and friends.

Cremation has taken place and no service is planned.  It is the desire of Barbara and Richard to have their ashes spread together at their beloved family cabin overlooking the mountains and country they so loved.  Memorial donations may be made to HopeWest Hospice Montrose, 725 S. 4^th Street, Montrose, CO  81401.  The family would like to thank them for their kind and compassionate care of Barbara, and also that of Montage Creek Memory Care, Dr. Mike Brezinsky, Dr. Randall Raziano, Dr. Steve Emmons and Dr. Sarah Judkins.  Their loving kindness will not be forgotten.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory of Montrose is assisting the family. (970)249-2121