Barbara Engebretson

Barbara "Benjie" Engebretson passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Benjie was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on April 2, 1947, daughter of Ralph and Frances Benn. She spent her childhood in the New Jersey suburbs of New York City as well as in Helensburgh, Scotland and Quebec, Canada. Benjie received a Bachelor of Arts in European History from Colby College before moving to Montana. Her studies, as well as living and traveling abroad, instilled in her a global world view that she brought to Montana.

Benjie continued her education, receiving a Master of Education from Montana State University. Benjie then taught for a few years in Montana before falling in love with and moving to the Madison Valley, which she made her home for over 45 years. While living in Ennis behind the old post office, Benjie started a successful fly-tying business, Benjie's Bugs, and raised labrador retrievers. During that time, she met her husband of 43 years, Jim Engebretson. Benjie taught Jim to tie flies and together they successfully ran Benjie's Bugs.

Benjie shifted her entrepreneurial talents and started Benjie's, a gift store specializing in sterling silver jewelry, which she ran with Jim for nearly 40 years. Benjie's started out small - a jewelry case and a few card racks on the front porch of Hickey's Motel in Ennis, but soon found its permanent home on Main Street Ennis, later expanding to West Yellowstone and Bozeman. Through Benjie's, she created a community that appreciated good deals, laughter, progressive politics and the joy of shopping.

She was the driving force behind Benjie's. Her personality shone through the merchandise Benjie's sold - from the rubber chickens, fun socks and stuffed animal mounts to concho belts, squash blossom necklaces and turquoise earrings. Benjie loved chatting with everyone who walked through her door and finding unique products to share.

Benjie was an extremely generous person. She was always on the lookout for what to give family and friends for not only their Christmas gifts, but also Easter, Halloween and even more obscure holiday gift bags. She was an avid reader and loved to share books with friends and family. Throughout her life, Benjie always had at least one dog, from the labradors she raised, to all size of poodle and, most recently, two rescue dogs.

Benjie never stopped loving the Madison Valley, spending time watching the pond and mountains from her home in McAllister - she kept tabs on the wildlife seen in the area, and was thrilled when a moose would saunter through the yard.

Benjie is survived by her husband Jim and his family, daughter Betsy Engebretson and her husband, Brett Mueller, and numerous friends. A Celebration of Life for Benjie will be held at Benjie's in Ennis, MT at a later date. 

In remembrance of Benjie, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Madison Valley Medical Center in Ennis, MT.