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Barbara Hunton Obituary
HUNTON,
Barbara Ann
(Age 48)
After a valiant, nine month battle against lung cancer, Barbara Ann (Birgenheier) Hunton passed away the morning of Monday, June 6th, 2011, in her husband's loving arms surrounded by her family.
Barbara was born in Bozeman, Montana on April 16, 1963, and moved to Southern California shortly thereafter where she spent most of her childhood. In 1980, her family moved to Spokane, Washington. Barbara attended Lewis & Clark High School and Gonzaga University where she earned a degree in Special Education. She married her high school sweetheart, John Hunton, and the two of them moved to Elko, Nevada to raise a family, where they had three beautiful daughters.
Barbara dedicated her career to the education of special needs students. For 23 years, Barbara spent her days in the halls of Elko Junior High School and then Adobe Middle School where she touched the lives of hundreds of students and staff.
While not teaching, her summers were filled by tending to her flower garden, scouring yard sales to add to her teacup collection, listening to music and enjoying her family.
She was the 3rd of seven daughters. Barbara is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Dr. Robert Hunton. She is survived by her husband, John Hunton; her daughters, Mary, Amanda and Rachel Hunton; her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Birgenheier; her sisters, Maggie (Larry) Jay, Cathy (Dale) Dietrich, Theresa Slocumb (Stuart Rigler), Janet (Gus) Porco, Joyce (Dave) Hedrick, and Becky (Kevin) Johnson; her mother-in-law, Mary Hunton; five brothers-in-law; two sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara considered Spokane her home and had always planned on returning someday. She will be laid to rest in that city, close to many friends and family.
A vigil service will be held Friday, June 17th at 7:00 pm. Her funeral mass will take place on Saturday, June 18th at 12:00 pm. Both services will be held at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Spokane, Washington.
Barbara lived a fulfilling life. Her end came too quickly,
and she will be deeply missed by everyone she touched.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Hunton
Joyce Hedrick
July 5, 2011
Dear Barbara, I think about you every day and am still so sad that you had to leave us so soon. We all thought we had more time. I'm grateful that we all made it to Salt Lake City to say goodbye. Juliet and I will also always treasure our trip to Elko last November. We loved spending that time with you. Our family will never be the same without sister #3! I love and miss you~ Joyce
Elsey
June 26, 2011
My sympathy Hunton family. Through the sorrow, may your memory of Barbara bring a smile to your heart and comfort to you.-1Peter 5:7
John Tierney
June 23, 2011
I was shocked to get back from a week of vacation last week and get the news. I had written Barb the week before the end of school, she was still full of spirit and hope. I sensed this was coming, but was never prepared as I kept hoping for the best too.
To the Hunton family, I know not what your plans are. Know my door and my heart are always open to you. I am thankful for all the time we had together and especially enjoyed Rachel in class this last spring. Barb will be missed but not forgotten, she has touched too many lives during her time with us.
My best thoughts to all of you.
Tina Turner
June 22, 2011
I went to my classroom today and reality hit me like a ton of bricks...you won't be next door to me anymore :(. I am sure going to miss your smile, leaning on you for advice, racing you to the door and patrolling the end of the hall with you! A whole new team next year, but I know you will be there in spirit!
June 22, 2011
I am so saddened at Barbara's passing. We worked together many years EJHS. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. My condolences to her family.
Winona Perez
June 20, 2011
I can't believe it was time for you to say good bye. I will miss you so much. But I am so thankful for all the memories that I treasure so close to my heart. When I'm feeling sad I'll remember your sweet face and know that you really haven't left at all. I Love You Barbara!! Your Sister, Theresa
Kathy Davis
June 19, 2011
Search Light Moms of Spokane wants to tell you how sorry we are for the passing of your Barbara. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We as mothers understand the day to day pain as we search for answers.
Love and Blessings,
Search Light Moms
www.slmoms.com
Also on Facebook
Julie Palmersheim
June 16, 2011
Dear John, Rachel, Amanda, Mary, Aunt Mary & Uncle Ray, Becky, Joyce, Janet, Theresa, Cathy and Maggie,
My prayers are with each of you in your sorrow, as it must seem unbearable at times. May you be comforted in knowing that Barbara now sees and feels God's love in all it's glory. We are all bound together in God's love, unbroken by death. Barbara prays for us and lends us her spiritual strength in our weakness. God Bless you in this time of sadness.
Much love,
Janet & Dennis Hedrick
June 16, 2011
May warm memories surround you and bring you comfort. We are sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
June 15, 2011
My dear Birgenheiers,
Love, prayers and sympathy to all of you and best wishes to Mary Frances on her birthday.
Love, Aunt Lil
June 15, 2011
May our Lord Guide you and yours through this trying time. God will heal each one of you and your love ones. God Bless. Richard & Margie Ainsworth formally of Elko, NV.
June 15, 2011
John & Family,
Richard and I send our condolences to you and your family as we are very sorry for you loss. We especially remember Barbara out on the dance floor doing her dancing that she loved. She will be missed. Take Care and God Bless each one of you and you heal.
Nancy Herring
June 14, 2011
I wish I had had the opportunity to have met Barbara, although I feel I DID know her, personally, from reading her e-mails and hearing all about her, from her family and friends. She was obviously a very, very special person: warm and caring, and very much loved. I am so shocked and sorry to hear about her passing. Cancer is such an indiscriminate disease, and I encourage us all to be as involved as humanly possible in eradicating it from the face of this earth. Peace to all, Nancy
Beverly Gibb
June 14, 2011
She always smiled. I remember that most of all. Thoughts are with you all.
Becky Johnson
June 14, 2011
Barbara you will always be my hero....I am so proud to call you my sister. I never expected to lose you so soon, but now you are my guardian angel. John, Mary, Amanda and Rachel I love you all so much! She will Live on forever in all of you in al of us!
Greg Rasmussen
June 12, 2011
I'm just at a loss of words. Barbara was always a joy to be around and was there just like a mom.I can't even count how many times she fed me when I'd be over at the house during the summer. She will always be embedded into the memories of my childhood and I feel fortunate to have had her be part of my life.
Theresa Slocumb
June 12, 2011
Rest peacefully my sweet sister Barbara!!
I Love you so much!! Never did I imagine
we would lose you so soon. I know your spirit is soaring high and free.....You will be with me in my heart forever! Until we meet again...Theresa
Your mom was a really nice lady. We are so sorry for your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Andrea Hert
June 12, 2011
She loved her family so much!
Becky Johnson
June 12, 2011
My sister.....my friend! XOX
Becky Johnson
June 12, 2011
Barbara will always be my hero....I am so proud to call her my sister. I love you John, Mary, Amanda and Rachel! She will Live on in all of you!
Becky Johnson
June 12, 2011
Christmas in Spokane 2010
Cathy Dietrich
June 10, 2011
To John, Mary, Amanda, Rachael:
I am so proud of Barbara and of her strength throughout her illness. I am so sorry that we lost her. We will all miss her so much.
Here is a picture of your last Christmas with us in Spokane.
I love you all!
Cathy
Diane Mann
June 10, 2011
Barbara - what a strong woman! I really thought you had it beat when I saw you in November. You've done great things in your life and I know you can see this now. I look forward to resuming our friendship again. Much love to you and your family.
Chance Armas
June 10, 2011
I love you .........XOXOXOXo
Richard Frey
June 9, 2011
She was always a wonderful friend, We all had such good memories from school and hanging out together. I will always remember Barbara's beautiful eyes and wonderful contagious smile.
Brennan Cahill
June 9, 2011
Barbara, I have no doubt you have touched countless lives in the time since you touched mine, so long ago. You are one of the special people. God bless you.
venessa frerichs
June 9, 2011
i was a student of barbara . she was a wonder full teacher. she touch me so much in science and social studies.. you willbe missed by so many people
v enessa frerichs
June 9, 2011
i was a student of barbara . she was a wonder full teacher. she touch me so much in science and social studies.. you willbe missed by so many people
June 9, 2011
I love you Barbara, my sweet sister.
Tina Turner
June 9, 2011
You fought like hell, my friend...now, you may rest in peace.
Doris D'Asto
June 9, 2011
John, Mary, Amanda, and Rachel,
One of my best memories of Barbara was at Elko Junior High. She taught across the hall from me and occasionally, She would put a student in my English class. She would be checking with me on a weekly basis. When the student had a good week, Barbara had fresh baked cookies for a reward. Barbara always kept an eye on her students and their needs.I know they are still in her heart.
Barbara will always be in my heart.
June 9, 2011
My heart and prayers go out to Barbara's family and friends. God bless Barbara on her new journey and God bless those who have been left behind that hold her memories dear.
June 9, 2011
my prayers go out to Barbara's Family and children. We are much to young to lose friends. God took another beautiful Angel. May you rest in Peace
Liz Parker
June 9, 2011
Aunt Barbara,
I miss you. I hate that I haven't seen you since Christmas of 2006, but I still have the sweater you gave me. Thanks for loving me and for being a mom to me all those summers. Thanks for giving me a few extra sisters.
I love you.
michael armenta
June 9, 2011
Anyone that went to west will always be remembered as a warrior,weather it be a short journey though life due to illness or a long journey with many celebrations. Once a warrior always a warrior. Let's stand as a group of warriors and remember Barbara for who she was and for what she did in her life and became part of our life. Rest in peace Barbara
John Paradiso
June 8, 2011
I believe because of her strength and kindness she will live on within her daughters and anyone who ever knew her and never be truely gone. Barbara will be missed
Shelley Storey
June 8, 2011
so sad... we'll have a reunion in heaven.
Dianne Lintz
June 8, 2011
Lovely and generous, she raised a great daughter. Gods speed Barbara.
Mark Becker
June 8, 2011
I didn't know Barbara, but as a West High alum (class of 79), I want to extend my sincerest condolences. Much, much too early. May God bless her kids, husband and family.
With warmth,
Mark Becker
michael Bird
June 8, 2011
Thanks Barbara for your bright sunshine of ease and gentleness All the West High Warriors will miss you
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