Barbara Jean Hortman

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Barbara Jean (Oglesbee) Hortman, who left this world on September 19, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on September 5, 1935, in Saratoga, Texas, Barbara’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and an unquenchable spirit of adventure.

Barbara graduated from Saratoga High School in 1952 where she was cherished as Miss Saratoga HS. This early recognition of her vibrant personality was just a glimpse into the remarkable life she would lead. On April 5, 1958, she married the love of her life, Curtis Barton Hortman. Their beautiful union spanned 66 years, illustrating a love that grew stronger with each passing day.

Together, Barbara and Curtis raised two wonderful children, Russ Hortman and Shera (Hortman) Carriker, whose lives and endeavors reflect the values and love instilled in them by their mother. As a grandmother, Barbara embraced her role with a heart full of joy, loving on her nine grandchildren and celebrating the blessing of nine great-grandchildren, with the excitement of two more on the way. Her family will forever carry the warmth of her love and the lessons she imparted through her actions and words.

Professionally, Barbara was known for her tenacity and achievements.  At sixteen, Barbara began sharing her people skills and strict efficiency abilities at the Liberty Courthouse. She would eventually use her skill set in the Hobby Airport area for close to five decades, managing Cruse Aviation, Atlantic Aviation, Sohio Aviation, then BP Exploration's global travel/aviation department.  She served as the Business Travel Manager for British Petroleum until her retirement, showcasing her commitment to excellence in everything she pursued. Her adventurous spirit led her to obtain a real estate license and a broker’s license, demonstrating her diverse interests and abilities. In addition, her passion for flying was realized when she earned her private pilot’s license, reflecting her belief in embracing life to its fullest.    

Barbara’s life was filled with accomplishments, but it was her deep connections with her family and friends that defined her legacy. She will be remembered not just for her achievements but for her kind heart and the laughter she brought into the lives around her.

Barbara is proceeded in death by her parents, Claude and Thelma Oglesbee; brother, James Howard Oglesbee; grandson, Gatlin Carriker. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Curtis Barton Hortman; children, Russ Hortman and wife Lara, Shera Lisa (Hortman) Carriker and husband Greg; grandchildren, Kiki Kurtz and husband Gaston, Jeace White and husband Zachary, Faith Taylor and husband Zachary, Miles Hortman, Casey Hortman, Jared Tomlinson and wife Katlin, Caleb Carriker and wife Login, Devin (Carriker) Ruderer and husband Ross; great- grandchildren, Lyra Kurtz, Kara Kurtz, Nathan Kurtz, Marlow White, Audie Taylor, Brooks Tomlinson, Bryce Carriker, Xander Richardson, Aiden Ruderer, and two more on the way. 

Honoring Barbara as pallbearers are Jared, Miles, Casey, Caleb, Ross, Zach W., Zach T., and Gaston. 

A graveside service will be held in her honor at Old Hardin Cemetery in Kountze, Texas, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, beginning at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Keith de la Moriniere. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and celebrate the remarkable life of Barbara Jean Hortman, a woman who touched the lives of many with her grace and warmth. You will be missed, Barbara, but your spirit will live on in the memories of those who loved you.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West End Church, Saratoga, Texas in Barbara’s name.