Barbara Rae Hill Hawkins

It is with tender hearts and the sure knowledge of eternal families that we announce the passing of our beautiful Wife, Mother, and Grandmother- Barbara Rae Hill Hawkins on March 26, 2025, at the age of sixty-two.

Barbara was born on a snowy day on January 24, 1963, to her beloved parents Ada Jean and Earl Hill at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah and her mother, after seeing a rae of sunshine come through the window exclaimed that Barbara is a “Rae of sunshine” in her life, thus giving her the middle name of “Rae”. Barbara was a “Rae of sunshine” in every life she touched- from her family, to her friends, people she taught at church and on her mission, and even the many health professionals that helped her with her acute care in her final months. Her life was a radiant testament to her unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.

Barbara grew up in Roy, Utah. Barbara’s musical talents flourished in her childhood and were highly supported by her parents- from singing, to flute, violin, and piano. Some musical highlights were marching proudly with her flute in the Roy High marching band, playing flute at Weber State, and having a solo performance at the Hill Cumorah Pageant, which would win the heart of her future sweetheart, Chuck.

Barbara’s journey with Chuck began at the Hill Cumorah Pageant, where their shared faith laid the foundation for their eternal love. At age 14, Barbara was visiting her sister in Germany, and while receiving medical care at the Wiesbaden hospital, Barbara was told by the spirit that “the man she will marry was born in that hospital”. During their first discussion while at Hill Cumorah Pageant, Chuck mentioned he was born in that very hospital in Germany. She would later tell Chuck of that defining moment and let it be a spiritual witness of their mission to be eternal companions.

They both honorably decided to serve missions at the same time and began by spending the first nine weeks in the same Missionary Training Center together in Provo, Utah. Then their love grew through heart-felt letters during their two years apart. Barbara served her mission in Hong Kong, speaking Cantonese, and Chuck served in Belgium and France speaking French. They were only home for a few months before they eloped to the Salt Lake City Temple on April 3, 1986, where they were sealed for time and all eternity, and enjoyed thirty-nine beautiful years together and look forward to their eternal relationship.

Barbara was first and foremost a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even after her service mission, she continued her life mission to draw souls closer to the Savior. She was a dedicated and very present mother and was found saying that that was her hardest mission of all. She taught her children about Jesus Christ, daily, through songs and family scripture study as if they were her “little investigators”. She led by example with daily scripture study and prayer; and often shared with anyone that would listen, her strong testimony of being able to handle life’s challenges better after starting each day by connecting with God FIRST.

Barbara had a lifelong passion project for crafts and scrapbooking. Each year she handcrafted hundreds of ornaments symbolizing Christ’s love to help “keep Christ in Christmas” that she would freely pass out with Chuck and family at Temple Square and Ogden Christmas lights. Several times she donated a “Christus tree” decorated with many of her handmade ornaments to Primary Children’s hospital through the Festival of Trees.

Barbara lived by simple yet profound principles rooted in Christ’s teachings and was often found saying: “Choose kindness over being right,” “Get rid of your self-limiting beliefs”, “Stop your stinkin thinkin”, “It’s all forgivable”, “Love everyone” and especially as her health declined- “Do what you can, while you can, when you can”- which was a guiding focus the last few years as she made many treasured memories with family; at Disneyland, the ocean, in many pools, Crystal Hot Springs, and Lagoon Amusement Park. Barbara LOVED to swim and have FUN! Even while her body became tired she could be found riding roller coasters and swings with her grandchildren to give her life a thrill and a reason to keep going.

Barbara fought through many health challenges with endless faith. You would never find her complaining about the pain or hassle she was going through. Her optimism was truly amazing and her gratitude for others that helped her along the way was great. She always talked about “running through the finish line” and “enduring to the end”.

The family wishes to offer their heartfelt thanks to Barbara's close friend and sister in Christ- Carol Krebs, who assisted Chuck with Barbara's needs and desires in her home. Many friends and family helped so much and she was so very grateful for them all.

She is survived by her devoted sweetheart and husband, Chuck Rulon Hawkins and her beloved children; Gary Rulon (Elizabeth Rae), Camille Rae (Kevin Fesler), Blake Rulon (Amy), and Dallin Rulon (Kianna), as well as 9 sweet grandchildren who call her “Grammy”- Boston, Max, Chloë, John, Evelyn, Daya, Ethan, Eli and future grandson (in August). Barbara said, “Grammy life is the best life.” She was a devoted Mother and Grandmother.

She is also survived by her siblings Elaine Thomas, Jay Hill, Larry Hill, Julieanne Higgs, and Brent Hill. She is preceded in death by her parents Earl and Ada Jean Hill, sister Connie Haddon, brother-in-law Don Higgs, as well as her dear mother-in-law Janet Hawkins.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."– Matthew 25:23

A Viewing will be held Wednesday evening, April 9th, 2025, from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, UT 84010. A Funeral service will be held Thursday, April 10th, 2025, with a viewing from 9:30 AM–10:30 AM and the service at 11:00 AM at the Chapel on 1509 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, UT 84087. Graveside service will be at the Bountiful Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, UT 84010.

Funeral services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.

If you would like to send flowers, please send them to Barbara Hawkins at Russon Mortuary in Bountiful.

Barbara’s favorite color all her life was purple. If you would like to join us in this fun way of honoring her memory, please consider wearing something purple to the services. :)