Barbara Mary Dilks Hugoe

Barbara was born on May 28, 1936, in Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire, England to Frank Thomas Dilks and Matilda Goodson. She was the youngest of three children and as the only girl in the family, she had a close relationship with her brothers Bob and Charlie. This relationship was important to her as her father, Frank, passed away shortly after her first birthday. Her mother raised her and her siblings in a small house in Dodford, Northamptonshire, England. She rode her bike often as a child and this love of biking carried into her teenage years when she would ride to her job at the Northampton Brewery. This job taught her the value of hard work, a trait that she would embody and later share with each of her children. Barbara met her sweetheart, Tony, while she was in Dodford. They were later married in the Dodford Church on January 1, 1955; and soon after began their journey together to the United States. Both she and Tony would often share memories of this voyage. They traveled by sea upon a military ship called the “General Upshur”. The ship landed in New York in April of 1955, and together the couple traveled by car to Utah where they would build a life together and raise six wonderful children: Damon, Caroline, Lee "Tick”, Wade, Virginia, and Sean. Her mother, Matilda, would later join her and Tony in America. Barbara offered tender care to her dear mother. They had an unbreakable bond that she so cherished. There was rarely a day when Barbara didn’t think about her mother. This was truly an example that everyone in her family would like to follow.  

Barbara was a loving daughter, caring mother, sweet grandmother, and a dear friend – always spreading kindness wherever she went. She made sure that each of her children were taught to work hard and care for each other. She taught this by example to her children. She worked most of her adult life and had many different jobs, her favorite being with Big West Oil where she worked as a receptionist for nearly twenty years. Barbara never forgot her heritage and would often visit England. She would bring pieces of England home with her, often in the form of traditions or stories. Her family lovingly bestowed upon her the nickname “The Queen Mum.” She had a deep love for all animals, with a special place in her heart for dogs and cats. There was never a time around the house when a dog was not present. She especially loved Irish Setters, and as she grew older and her memory faded, her family made sure that she had a new Irish Setter calendar on her wall each year. She was involved in the lives of each of her grandchildren, and always loved having them stop by her home to spend time with her.

Barbara was preceded in death by parents, Frank & Matilda; husband, Tony; sons, Damon & Wade and brother, Bob Dilks.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Debbie Hugoe; her daughters and sons, Caroline Schroeder, Lee "Tick" (Jodi), Virginia (Jay) Benard, and Sean (Mary); her brother Charlie (living in England); her fifteen grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren with one on the way; and her sister-in-law, Phyllis Dilks.

Barbara had a beautiful soul, her spirit was light, friendly, and inviting. Her family will dearly miss her, but we are blessed to know that she will be spending precious time with those that have gone before, including all of her beloved animals. We can only imagine the glorious reunion that is taking place. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of the Staff at Oakridge Assisted Living for the tender loving care they have shown to our Queen Mum over the past several years.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the West Bountiful 8th Ward Chapel, 311 North 800 West, West Bountiful, UT. A viewing will be held prior to the services at the same location from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There will also be a viewing from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, UT. The interment will be at Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, UT. 
 
Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and this obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite animal shelter or the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Barbara Hugoe.