LOGAN, Utah - Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Barbara McGregor Hales passed away in Logan on Aug. 31, 2009, from injuries sustained in an accident. She was born Dec. 13, 1928, at the family home in Mound Valley, Idaho, to James D. and Ruth C. McGregor. She was the youngest of 10 children. Barbara began college at the age of 16 and received her undergraduate degree at Idaho State University. She taught elementary school for a few years and then went to Utah State University and received a master's degree in speech development. It was during her time at Utah State University that she met the love of her life, H. Lee Hales Jr., to whom she has been married for the last 58 years. They were married on December 31, 1951 in the Hales Family home in Logan, Utah. That marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Temple in June 1952. They were blessed with four children, 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was a professor at Utah State University for 27 years. She taught in the speech and theater departments. Her greatest joy came from children's literature and storytelling. She had a lifelong affair with books, having a desire to place as many good books into homes as she could. She referred to herself as a "book pusher." Barbara was a "true blue Aggie" in every sense of the word. She supported Aggie athletics with her husband for over 40 years and was a member of the Big Blue Club. She and her husband contributed to many scholarships and educational pursuits. Barbara was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church positions. Most recently, she and her husband served on their own local service as literacy missionaries to others. She became acquainted with the joy of FamilySearch Indexing and was found doing it daily. She is survived by her husband, H. Lee Hales Jr.; her four children, Brad Hales of St. George, Utah; Brian Hales of Layton, Utah; Tracine Parkinson of Chula Vista, Calif., and Lezlee Monroe of Clearfield, Utah. Her parents and eight of her nine siblings preceded her in death. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center, and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Lundstrom Park 2nd Ward Chapel located at 1260 N. 1600 East in Logan. The funeral will begin at noon at the church. Graveside services will follow immediately after at the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.allenmortuaries.net.

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Published by Logan Herald Journal from Sep. 2 to Sep. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Hales

38 Entries

Christy

August 27, 2021

Miss you, grams! We all do!!

LeAnn Speth Lundberg

September 30, 2009

Brian, Tracine, Lezlee,
I just heard last night about your mom's accident and her death. I am so sorry and want to send you my condolences and prayers and love. Your mom was one of my heroes. I sat by her in a Sacrament Meeting a short time ago and I had such a sweet conversation with her. I felt of her love and compassion. She will be dearly missed. May you find peace and comfort during this hard time.

Brian Hunsaker

September 14, 2009

I was fortunate enough to know Barbara in two ways, 1st as a neighbor and 2nd as a professor at USU. I had a children’s story telling class winter semester 1988 and I noticed this cute girl in my class. After class I asked Barbara if she knew if this girl was married. She didn’t think so and asked if I would like to meet her. I of course said yes, and 4 children later and 21 years of marriage were still going strong. Thanks Barbara!

Ted Hansen

September 13, 2009

Lee,
My sincere condolences to you at Barbara's passing. I will certainly miss seeing the two of you, as I have occasionally in the past, around Logan City and USU campus and receiving your warm hello. God bless you at this time.

Rosalie Eckman

September 12, 2009

Miss Mc Gregor is how I knew her as a little girl in the Adams School in Logan Utah. I have remembered her and wonderered where she was for these many years. I am very sad I didn't know she was so close, I would liked to have seen her again. She was one of the best teachers ever had. I shall always remember her kindness to me. I am sad to find about her passing.

Nan Woodward Noble

September 9, 2009

Dear Brian and Tracine, I was so sorry to read about the loss of your amazing Mother. When I started teaching music in Indiana in 1994, I was so excited to find her poem, "Sidewalk Measles" in our music books. After reading her biography, I knew "American poet Barbara M. Hales" was indeed the same teacher I loved at USU years before. I have such pleasant memories of the classes I had from her and the influence she had on my teaching career. You're in my thoughts and prayers. May you be comforted at this time.

Mary Ann Warren Nelson

September 5, 2009

Dear Lee,
Russ and I loved Barbara, she always had a smile and a wonderful way of greeting us when ever we saw her. She seemed tireless in her determination to reach out to others. May the Lord bless and comfort you at this very sad and lonely time.

DeAnn Oliekan

September 4, 2009

Dear Brad, Brian and Tracine,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was a special lady. I enjoyed knowing her and taking classes from her at Utah State. She certainly added to my love of all things "book" and especially my love of children's literature and storytelling. My grandchildren are now enjoying my collection of books, some of which you mother "Pushed"! Not too many years ago she was a guest at our enrichment night in Kaysville. I once again enjoyed visiting with her and hearing her brag about all of you.
We lost our Mom last year, so I know how hard this will be for you.
I remember in high school when you almost lost your mom in a car accident. I am so glad you have had all of these years with her.
My Dad, Truss Butterfield, wanted me to express his sympathy also. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Linda Chaston

September 3, 2009

Dear Lee, Brad, Brian, Tracine, and Lezlee,

It was only a few weeks ago that I sat in your living room and caught up with Barbara. I brought my bookworm, Marie, to meet her, knowing they were kindred spirits. We laughed and told stories and recited poetry. She beamed with pride when she spoke of you all. I always loved being in her presence; she always made me feel like I belonged there. Her love of story-telling, of children, and of home has always had meaning to me -- that's who she was. I'm so sorry for your loss, but know full well that she will never be far away. All my love to you, Linda

Jim Stone

September 3, 2009

Dear Lee & Family,
I was profoundly grieved to learn
about Barbara. I feel fortunate to
have known both of you as business associates and personal friends for
the past 48 years.
Sincerely,
Jim Stone

Kip and Ginny S. Meacham

September 3, 2009

Dear Hales Family,
We extend our deepest sympathies to you at the passing of your sweet angel wife and mother. Not only have we been blessed by "sitting at her knee" and feeling her influence while visiting your home as friends, our own family claims a great love of books and storytelling from Ginny having taken every class she taught. More than a professor, she became a dear mentor and friend. She truly exemplifies the virtues of kindness, joy, compassion, beauty, intelligence, generosity and righteousness. Our love to you.

Amy Meek

September 3, 2009

Dear Brother Hales and Family,

I took storytelling, children's poetry, and oral interp from Mrs. Hales at USU many years ago. I am an Elementary Education graduate, and her three classes were the best. I learned a lot from Mrs. Hales. Her poise while telling a story was wonderful. When she recited a poem you knew she was enjoying herself. She helped me start my own collection of children's literature that has been enjoyed by my students and my children. Thank you for sharing a part of her with me. I know that I am a better teacher and Mother because of having known her and having her as a teacher. May you feel the Savior's love and have peace and comfort in her passing.

Kim Webb-Goodman

September 3, 2009

Dear Hales Family,
I was very close to Jamian in school and met Barbra on multiple occasions. I have nothing but fond memories of her & the wonderful family she raised. I was so sad to see the tragic end to such a beautiful life. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time.

Jerusha Daines

September 3, 2009

Dear Lee & Family,
I have know Barbara from Waldenbooks. Oh how she loved books!! For the last 15 years you and Barbara came into the store at least once a week, some weeks 3 times!! Barbara always had a smile, hug and a listening ear! Many times I would find her in the bargin section selling my books to my customers. She would always wait to see if someone would buy the bargins before she would take everything for herself. And many times she would leave a couple behind and say "I have to leave these for someone else". She would always tell me who the books were for that she was geting. I am sadden she is gone. She leaves a legacy of books behind for all to enjoy. Jerusha Daines

James Wilkinson

September 3, 2009

Uncle Lee, We were deeeply sddened to her of Aunt Barbara's death. We will lift you and families in our prayers.
Love Jim,Kim,Jimmy,Wesley,Hailey and Jesse Wilkinson

Leesa Cazier Simmons

September 3, 2009

Dear Hales Family,

Barbara is one of my favorite people of all time. Knowing her has been such a blessing to me and my family. Without her, I wouldn't have nearly as many childrens books on my shelves. She was a good friend to me, my mom, and all of Cache Valley. Lots of love to you in this difficult time.

September 3, 2009

Dear Lee and family, Aunt Barbara was such a wonderful person and always a mentor to me. She always remembered us with wonderful cards and caring words. She will be missed. She was one of a kind. Love you, Mario, SueZann, Laura Herrera- Oakland CA

Bob & Linda Wilkinson

September 3, 2009

Uncle Lee - We were very sorry to hear of Aunt Barbara's death. Our prayers for comfort for you and the Hales and McGregor families.

Ronda Niederhauser

September 3, 2009

Dear Hales Family,
The words won't come that express what I want to share for the passing of Barbara. I will surely miss her influence.
Lezlee thank you for letting me meet your Mom I know this will be hard for you all. But we are all blessed to have known her. And we need to be thankful for it.

Bill Nelson

September 2, 2009

Back in 1951 Logan was experiencing an overcrowding in the schools. To eleviate this, they took the fourth graders from the Adams and Ellis schools and put them in and old condenmed building on the north east corner of 1st West and 1st South called the Woodruff Hall. Barbara was one of the teachers. There were only four classes. We were a pretty tight knit group. Barbara was very young and very pretty and all of the fourth grade boys were infatuated with her. I was not in her class but I thought that I was pretty smart becouse I was her second cousin. I had the opportunity to visit with her at a large McGregor family reunion about seven years ago. My condolances to the family.

Bill Nelson

Todd Williams

September 2, 2009

Dear Hales and McGregor Families,

Very sorry to hear of this tragic and sudden end to a live who clearly touched so many. She was a gracious woman, and I'm one of the many who grew up under her influence and love of reading.

Peace be with you, as we ponder her happy reunion.

Cherri Hurst Hart

September 2, 2009

Dear Hales family,
I was so saddened to hear of Barbara's death. What a tragedy. She was such a spirited and inspired teacher, and so fun to listen to as a storyteller. My heart goes out to you and I pray for the Comforter to attend you and strengthen you in the coming days.

Relda and Tony Thomas

September 2, 2009

Dear Hales Family,
Barbara was really someone I looked up to. I liked the fact that she could do it all--be a great wife and mom, an excellent professor, serve in the church and write poetry, enter jingle contests and clip coupons to boot!
I really enjoyed the opportunity I had to take a speech class from her. She was an outstanding teacher. I would visit my parents at Christmas and the first thing I wanted to read was Barbara's collection of Christmas stories.
She was a great influence on many. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Hales family.
Tony and Relda(Felix)Thomas

Natalie Glover

September 2, 2009

I'm so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. She was a fantastic woman and will be greatly missed! She touched the lives of so many people and was such a kind and generious woman. She set a great example for me and I will never forget her.

My thoughts go out to her family and all who are grieving. This is truly a difficult time.

Don & Joyce McGregor

September 2, 2009

Dear Lee and Hales children,
Don and I were devastated to learn of dear Barbara's tragic death. She was the most beloved in all of Cache Valley, I am sure. I appreciated so much her mentoring and sharing of her readers theater scripts and poetry, which I used extensively in my classrooms and family gatherings. Especially will we miss being able to spend time with our dear cousin and friend, but we will always have her memory and publications to treasure. Words cannot console you at this time, but we offer love and codolences.
Don and Joyce McGregor

Dart McGregor

September 2, 2009

Dear Hales Family,

It's been a long time. I was saddened to hear of your sudden and painful loss of Barbara. I hope all of you remain well and happy.

Dart McGregor Family

Patricia Swasey

September 2, 2009

I am so saddened by Barbara's passing. She and I worked together on the Logan Stake Relief Society board and I loved her dearly. May the Lord bless and comfort you at this difficult time.

My deepest sympathies, Pat and Sam Swasey

Elisa Sheffey

September 2, 2009

Barbara was a gem among gems, we have moved out of Cache Valley, but still read the books that my children benefited from her generosity. I am so sorry to hear she has passed, may the Lord bless you in your time of need.

September 2, 2009

We were terribly sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. All our best wishes,
Jean and Jarvis Anderson

Barbara Neuffer

September 2, 2009

My dear sweet Aunt Barbara, how I will miss you. Thank you for all the times you looked after me. Thanks for the encouraging words you built me up with. Thank you for being there for me when Mama couldn't. Thank you for proudly sharing your name with me. I have been blessed to be part of this wonderful family.
Uncle Lee, Brad, Brian, Tracine and Lezlee, I am so sorry. My heart breaks for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all

Jay and Barbara Jensen

September 2, 2009

Dear Lee and Family. Our connections with you and your family are plentiful and were always pleasureable. I will always remember our presentations of "The Dreaded Christmas Letters", Stubby Pringle", "The Grinch" and many others. We had such fun and it saddens us to hear of her tragic death. Barbara would be pleased that " The Grinch" lives on each Christmas season as my Barbara and I perform it for our Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
We are so sorry and express our love to you and youir whole family.

Kristine and Walter Saunders

September 2, 2009

Dear Lee and family, My son called this morning to tell me of Barbara's passing. I, like many, remember Barbara first as a favorite University Professor who shared so many parts of herself with many. Later I was Barbara's visiting teacher and then Barbara and Lee were visiting/home teachers to my family. I will always treasure the 21 years of Christmas story books and beloved children's books and stories shared by Lee and Barbara. Walt and I have loved the times Lee and Barbara visited and the wonderful messages left. Barbara will always be remembered for the good she did for the world.

Christy Hales

September 2, 2009

I miss you grandma!! I love you and can't wait to see you again!!

Evelynda Owens Morrill

September 2, 2009

Lezlee: I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. She was so kind to invite us into her home to search for those book treasures to take home with us. She was a great lady and so many of us will miss her so much! I am so glad you got to have her with you as long as you did!

Linda Sorenson

September 2, 2009

Dear Hales Family -

Your wife and mother was truly a beautiful person. We know you will miss her so much. Our hearts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. We pray you will feel the love and sweet comfort of our Savior at this time.

Allen was in Barbara's speech class at USU in 1968. She made such a difference in his life. She was a dear and special friend and mentor. He later taught Tracine in Seminary. We remember little Leslie playing with my young cousin Irene. Sweet sweet memories of a special family.

We're thinking of you and send you our love.

Allen & Linda Sorenson

Lavell and Allyson Christensen

September 2, 2009

Dear Tracine, Brian, Brad, Lezlee and Lee. Lavell and I are so sorry to hear about Barbara's death. She was a very sweet woman with a smile always on her face. She will be missed by so many people. We are thinking of you and pray for you to feel your Heavenly Father's arms around you.

September 2, 2009

Dear Hales Family,
Having Barbara Hales for a college professor was one of the highlights of my experience at USU. I took every class I could from her. She helped me develop self confidence and encouraged me in my efforts to take what I learned and apply it in my first grade class room. As I taught school, I used poetry every day in my class room because of Barbara Hales! She has left a wonderful legacy and Cache Valley will miss one of its truly great ladies. Please accept my deepest sympathy at her passing.
Lynne' Bradford Huber

Janice McAllister

September 2, 2009

Dear Lee and family,

Barbara was truly an elect lady. She is loved and respected by thousands - her influence spreads so very far. You share in that love as well because to know Barbara was to know Lee - you have been such a loving support and blessing to her, as she was to you. What a beautiful example of an eternal marriage you have given to us!

Learning of her passing was a personal tragedy for all of us. She was a treasured part of our lives. We will miss her more than words can express.

Our love and prayers for the Lord's comforting blessings to be with all of you will continue as you go through these difficult days. Especially we pray that special blessings will come to Lee. We know that the Lord knows your needs and he will be with you.

With love,
Janice and Byron McAllister

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