Barbara Ruth Hill Carlson

Barbara Ruth Hill Carlson Her Royal Highness, born April 30, 1931, has relinquished her throne. The sand emptied from the glass for Barbara Carlson on March 30th, 2011. As expected, Barbara faced her advancing years and declining health with grit and humor. She would exclaim "you're out of the will" to a friendly antagonist. But a kiss and hug would "put you back in the will." For many who grew or lived up in Gig Harbor, she was the lady who supervised them on the playground, or the woman who enjoyed selling a puzzle as much as she did fart spray at the toy store. Her strength and humor were known not only to her family (late husband, Richard E. "Dick" Carlson (1922-2006), sons Erik (Kathleen), Kurt (Cheryl), granddaughter Dexter, and grandsons Kellyn, and Kjiel; (Rachel) and Quintin)), but also her DAR sisters, with whom she shared a love of history and county, and all who had the chance to get to know her. While she stated that it would be fine to put her remains in a gunny sack and hang them from a tall tree, this will not be done. Instead, sing with us these words in Barb's (Grammy's) memory (to the tune of the theme song from "All In The Family"): Boy, the way the big bands played; Songs that made the hit parade; We felt we had it made. Those were the days. A gentleman removed his hat; Stood until a lady sat; What was so wrong with that? Those were the days. Didn't want a government state; People tried to pull their weight; Gee, our old Ford ran great. Those were the days! Some things are better now; Some things were better then; That's the way it's always been; Need someone new in the Whitehouse again Those were some days! We love-a-love you, Grammy. At Barbara's request, no services are planned. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Washington State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (WSSDAR) Archives Project c/o Mary Ball Chapter.