Barbara Jane Hanson

Barbara J Hanson, 81, of Pocatello, passed away at home on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Barbara was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on December 25,1941. Her mother always reminded everyone on Christmas day that Barbara was the best Christmas gift ever. Barbara was the first child born to Vincent and Gwen Reid. Her parents made their home on a small family farm in "Reid Valley", Firth, Idaho. Her siblings include Bob (Christy) Reid, Ted Reid (deceased), Paul (Billie) Reid, William (Donetta) Reid, Gerry Becker (Dan) and Ginger Reid. Her parents were lifelong farmers and ranchers. Barbara was introduced at an early age to farm animals and chores. She particularly loved horses, which became a lifelong hobby and passion. Barbara grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Her siblings and cousins from the valley were her first friends and playmates.

Barbara attended elementary school at Firth Grade School. In 1960, she graduated from Firth High School where she was active in pep club, band, Future Homemakers of America, and was student body secretary. As a member of a very small class, she remained close friends with many of her classmates up until her death. As a child and youth Barb was an active participant of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Firth and was later an active member of Pocatello First United Methodist Church.

After high school, Barbara attended Idaho State University where she participated in the college rodeo program and earned her associates degree. She was attending college when she met her future husband, Roger Hanson. Before they got married, she went to Kansas to attend school intending to become a flight attendant. The family always thought this was kind of funny due to her intense dislike of flying. Barbara's early jobs included working for the Idaho State Journal, Farmer's Insurance, Pacific Finance, and finally at the Idaho State University counseling Center for 28 years until her retirement in 2007.

Barbara married Roger on July 17, 1964 in the family's front yard. Rumor has it a cow blessed the marriage with a long "moo" after the Reverend Crawford declared them man and wife. The couple settled in Pocatello where they raised their 2 children, Stacey (Dyke) Jensen and Reid (Tera) Hanson. In the early 1990's, Barbara and Roger purchased their acreage on Laughran. This move allowed her to return to her farm roots and share that wonderful way of life with her grandchildren.

Barb had many interests and activities throughout her life. She loved to sew and both her children claim they never owned a store bought item of clothing except shoes and socks until they were old enough to buy them on their own. Barbara was an avid gardener and shared a garden with her dear friend Sherry Hook for many years. She also loved to craft and spent hours working on leather, wood, and other types of crafts over the years. Besides crafting, Barbara loved to camp and fish. Many summer weekends were spent in the camper and boat at Island Park and Palisades. The family has lost count of how many kids she taught to water ski but the number is high! As a matter of fact, if someone said, "hey let's do (fill in the blank)" she was up for it! Due to her fear of flying, far away travel was not high on her bucket list, but if someone ever said "JackPot" she was definitely up for a road trip.

As her children got a bit older, Barbara got deeply involved in the horse racing scene where she owned and raced many horses. Barbara loved all aspects of the racing scene and could be found on race day in the stands, at the stalls, and/or in the racing offices of local racetracks.

Family was an important part of Barb's life. She loved supporting her siblings, nieces and nephews, children, and grandchildren by attending all their various sports and school activities. She was one of the best and loudest cheerleaders in the stands. It didn't seem to matter to Barb whether it was a band, sport, academic, or rodeo event, she was happy to go along and cheer! However, she never quite got comfortable with her grandsons riding bulls. Barbara also enjoyed a close relationship with her siblings, and the sisters had many "Mildred" weekends over the years which often included not only the sisters but other family members and friends. One memorable trip, which included many family members, was to Washington D.C. for Ben's Navy graduation. A highlight of the trip was a chance to attend the Preakness before coming home.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 58 years, Roger, both her children, 4 grandchildren, Kolton (Rachel) Hanson, Alex (Dakota) Morrison, Kash and Kaden Hanson. She is also survived by 1 great grandson Camden Morrison. Barbara is also survived by many nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and one aunt, Marlene Reid. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Ted, a brother-in-law, Bill Becker, and 2 nephews, Ben, and Andy Becker.

The family will have a Celebration of Life on June 3, at the Family Home in Reid Valley (901 Reid Road). A short service will start at 12:30 where family and friends are asked to bring short stories to share if they wish. The service will immediately be followed by a meal, visiting, and possibly even pinochle and blackjack.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
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