Barbara Hamilton

Barbara Jean Lee Hamilton, age 79, of Orem passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021, due to pneumonia.

She was preceded in death by her two sons - Robert Lee Hamilton, and Michael Taylor Hamilton. She is survived by her husband, Jesse Robert (Bob) Hamilton; by her grandchildren Skyler Hamilton, Colin (Tracey) Hamilton, Abigail (Benjamin) Anderson, Ian Hamilton, and Taylor Barrett, Benjamin McDonald, and Jacob McDonald; and by her great-grandchildren, Jonah and Bree Hamilton. She is also survived by Robert’s closest friend - an honorary son, Taw Anderson - and honorary daughters, Heather Taylor and Lisa Hamilton.

Barbara was born July 2, 1942 in Houston, Texas. She was the oldest child of Lon Huffman (Buster) and Kathleen Coleman Lee. Barbara joined the Air Force after graduating from Phoenix Union High School in 1960. She became a reporter (“information specialist”) for the newspaper at Sheppard Air Force Base. It was there where she met who would become her husband, Bob Hamilton. After some conflict, the couple married at the home of Barbara’s aunt and uncle in Splendora, Texas. They became the proud parents of their two boys, Robbie (1967) and Mike (1970).

Barbara was an avid and scrupulous genealogist. She was known for defending the evidential truth and took pride in correcting ancestral claims, spoiling some and vindicating others. Anyone who knew her closely was enriched by the research she gathered, the knowledge she preserved, and the stories she shared. She was a charter member of the East Montgomery County Historical Society. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1974. She and Bob served a two-year mission for the LDS church with a small branch in Talihina, Oklahoma, near the Choctaw Indian Reservation.

Famous for her frequent care packages, all children (and adults) who had the honor of receiving them knew they were loved by Grandma. She was clever, crafty, thrifty, and tough. From her biscuits n’ gravy, to her homemade cards, and her abundant keepsakes - everything was intentional, and had a story. She never shied away from telling it how it was, yet those she loved knew it. She loved unstructured conversation, reading her stacks of books, and spoiling her babies (including Bob, and her dog, Buddy). If we were to sum up our grandma in just a couple words, they would be: family, and gathering.

A funeral service will be held Monday, August 30, at 11:00 a.m. in the LDS chapel located at 80 S. 280 E. in Orem, behind Treeo. The service will also be streamed on Sundberg Olpin Mortuary’s facebook page, for those who are unable to attend. A viewing for friends and family will be held from 9:30 -10:30a.m., prior to the funeral. The burial service, with military rites, will be at 1:00 p.m. at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, at Camp Williams.

The family would like to thank the incredible medical staff and caregivers in the ICU at the Timpanogos Regional Hospital, especially Dr. Lah. Everyone from Alec, at the beginning, to William, at the end, was extraordinary. In lieu of flowers, Barbara would encourage y’all to take time to research your genealogy, and make sure no one is forgotten.

For those unable to attend, you may view the services HERE

Condolences for family may be left on this page.