Barb Hulett passed away at the age of 69 in the company of her daughters following an extended battle with cancer that began the day she was widowed almost three years ago. She was born in Whitefish, MT to Ottis and Estella Wales, and was raised in Montana with her two sisters, Sovilla Bosket (Dave) of Kalispell, MT, and Verna Roy (Ben) of Camby, OR.
Before losing her husband, Don Hulett, they created countless memories of outdoor adventures with their children and friends including boating, fishing, camping, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, and the famous Sunday drives. She cherished those memories and spoke of them often in her final days. Barb had quite a flair for fashion and style and had a full closet to reflect just that, but she was genuinely happy when she was in her grubbies and working hard on one of her many outdoor projects. Even in illness, whenever possible, you would find her enjoying her outdoor hobbies and the beautiful flowers she loved to grow each year.
To many she will always be remembered as Auntie Barb from her years of running a very busy daycare. She also enjoyed about 35 years working with Don at their trucking business, East Valley Trucking, as well as her years working at Sweet Flour Bakery with her close friends. She will forever be remembered as caring and compassionate and a truly empathetic soul.
The list of her interests and talents could go on and on since there wasn’t much she didn’t dabble in or try. Among her favorites were ceramics, crocheting, creating dolls to gift to friends and family, gardening, canning and cooking. She could out-shop anyone and loved to spoil her grandchildren with special shopping excursion days.
She is survived by her two daughters, Carri Whitman (Walt) of Rockford, WA and Wendy Kumpula (Jeff) of Helena, MT, her 8 grandchildren that loved her dearly, and her pride and joy 5 great grandchildren, as well as her two sisters and many nieces and nephews.
Her incredible strength lives on in the lives and hearts of her daughters, family, and those that were lucky enough to call her friend.
Her daughters would like to thank the many truly compassionate nurses and Dr. Weiner of St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center and the Oncology Floor for their over the top care of their mom and their understanding during such a difficult time.
A reception will be held on December 30, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., for family and friends. Prior to the reception, a religious service to honor her Christian beliefs is scheduled for 12:30 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 21 Colonial Drive. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Barbara.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:30 p.m.
Saturday December 30, 2017
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
21 Colonial Dr.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Saturday December 30, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:30 p.m.
Saturday December 30, 2017
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
21 Colonial Dr.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Saturday December 30, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Kathy Bruce says
Barb was one of my best friends. She was a great lady who was so very sweet & Lovable with a heart of Gold. She will certainly be missed by so many. Love, Kathy Bruce
Traci Kelley says
I can’t tell you how sad this makes me..Barb babysat my sister Lisa and I when we were kids. I have the best memories of being at auntie Barbs house everyday, she always had a fun adventure in the back yard looking for bugs, or she would make play dough for us and we would be busy for hours. My sister came down with chicken pocks when we were staying there when my parents went out of town, they came back and Barb told them “just leave both girls here, I will take care of them” and she did..we were miserable and she would hold us in the chair and just rock us to comfort us..she was by far the kindest and funnest babysitter we ever had..you always knew that if you were with Don and Barb there was love and compassion. The only rule we had was “don’t go upstairs to the girls room unless they are with you and tell you it’s ok 🙂 I really could go on forever about my memories with her..to this day 39 years later I have so much love for her, I still drive by her house every time I come home..I hope you can take comfort in knowing how many children who have now grown into adults still love her and will always remember her for her kind and loving heart..prayers to you all during this difficult time..love you forever auntie Barb!!!
Teresa Graham says
Carrie and Wendy, I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of your beautiful mother. I have never known a more loving and caring person. She was the very best day care provider for my RRoni for the first four years of her life. I didn’t see her often but when I did it was as if no time had gone by, she was a great friend to me and everyone who knew and loved her! She will be missed. My love and prayers are with you and your children and hope your happy memories and faith will help you through the difficult days.