Barbara Ann Viehweg

Barbara Ann Viehweg, a long-time Boise resident, passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born on January 11, 1930, to Alfred and Margaret McGill Livingston. She held many fond memories of life on their family farm in Buhl, Idaho with her two younger sisters, Nancy and Sue. The three sisters remained “thick as thieves” throughout their lifetimes. Barbara loved to swim, run foot races, and ride horses. She attended the county’s three-room school, Deep Creek Elementary, and graduated from Buhl High School in 1948. She was a proud Buhl Indian and maintained those childhood friendships during her lifetime.

Barbara attended the University of Idaho, majoring in Education, and joined the Tri Delta sorority. She thoroughly embraced campus life and was a member of the Hell Divers, a swimming performance team. While at Idaho, she met Russel Viehweg, a Delta Tau Delta, and fancied him because he was tall, bright and a good dancer. After graduation, Barbara taught P.E. in Buhl and English at West Jr. High in Boise. Barbara and Russ were loyal Vandals and were thrilled when their children, their spouses and grandchildren attended the University of Idaho.

Barbara and Russ were married July 19, 1953, and moved to Boise to begin their life together as a generation of career builders. She enjoyed teaching but retired to raise her three children – Becky, Tim, and Katie – and was a dedicated mother, encouraging them in all activities. She supported Russ in his career, and they traveled extensively during their lifetimes. They especially enjoyed time spent in New York City for work and pleasure… meeting new friends, Broadway musicals, and shopping in the Fashion District! They worked together to remodel the family cabin in McCall with Barbara adding her special decorating flair. Barbara and Russ spent many years at the cabin with family and friends, and their children and grandchildren continue to enjoy it to this day.

Barbara was an excellent athlete and liked physical activity and keeping fit. She skied at Bogus Basin and Brundage and played tennis at Hillcrest Country Club into her ‘80s. Barbara took pride in her beautiful home and meticulous garden. She loved to entertain and was always a welcoming hostess, opening her home to many events. Barbara was always “best dressed” and “well coiffed” as she had a knack for selecting the perfect look for any occasion. She was witty, charismatic, confident, and naturally stood out in every room.

Barbara was a long-time member of Hillcrest Country Club where she and her family spent endless hours enjoying the many activities, sports, and friendships with club members. She was a member of the Junior League of Boise and, as a Sustainer, participated in Garden and Book Clubs. She was active in the Tri Delta Alumnae group, Women of Rotary, PEO Chapter BK and Idanha Questors.

After moving to Touchmark in 2018, she learned to play Pinochle and other card games. She recently enjoyed competing in Trivial Pursuit where her knowledge of history and geography was beneficial to her Touchmark team members. Barbara was curious about the latest gadgets and technology and always had the newest iPhone and iPad. She never missed a family gathering or social event and always arrived wearing a smile and ready to enjoy a glass of Sauvignon Blanc!

If you were to ask anyone what comes to mind when they think of Barbara, they would say classy, positive outlook, forgiving, adventuresome, easily made friends, and cherished those friendships. Her grandchildren will remember her as caring, generous, supportive, easy to talk to and interested in what they were doing. She was an amazing woman who loved life, her family, friends, and lived her 95 years to the fullest and on her own terms.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Russ, her sisters Nancy Hessel and Sue Bartlett, her parents, and her beloved cat, Buster. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Becky and Rob Grover, Tim and Jean Viehweg, and Katie and Dave Weitz; six grandchildren: Christine Viehweg Quist (Ian), Alex Grover, Mollie Weitz Gabica (Andrew), Henry Weitz, Max Weitz (Breelyn Rogers, fiancé), Joe Viehweg (Sarah); and three great grandsons: Swede, Aric and Ole Quist.

No services will be held per Barbara’s request. Contributions may be made to “Simply Cats Adoption Center” (simplycats.org), “The Learning Lab” (learninglabinc.org) or a charity of your choice.