Barbara Jane Hansen

Barbara Jane Hansen-Bowles died July 11, 2025, in Pocatello, Idaho.

Barbara (don’t call me Barb or Barbie) was a long-time resident of McCammon, ID. She was born on July 13, 1943, to Marjorie and A.C. Hutcherson in Deadwood, South Dakota.

This firebrand of a girl lived with her mom, Gram, and brother until a handsome Air Force boy named Bob Hansen whisked her away at 16 to get married in Winnemucca, Nevada. Their adventures took them to Utah, Montana, and Idaho. Barbara and Bob had two daughters, Robin (Curt) and Jackie, and later welcomed Jason (Shannon) to the family.

After Bob’s passing, Barbara met and married her soulmate, partner in crime, and devoted caregiver, Arel Bowles. This union blessed her with bonus kids, RaKelle (Kelly), Clint (Paula), Bryce (Tonya), Jenny (Greg), and Matt.

Ma, as we called her, was a fiercely independent woman with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for animals and her family. Over the course of her life, she ran several businesses. Ma and Arel invested in a leatherwork business, a motel and café in Montpelier, ID, and a weed spraying business. These ventures often provided her kids and grandkids with their first work experiences.

Ma always had a collection of animals around her, including, but not limited to, horses, mules, dogs, goats, and sheep. This love of animals led her to be a 4-H leader for 40 years, sharing her knowledge with generations of youth, including her own children and grandchildren.

Ma was the kind of person who worked with her hands, and her creativity helped her bring any project to life, whether she was adding on to the house, making parade costumes for her 4-H club, or baking. She was always available with a mug of strong coffee, some tough love, and an ear to listen. Ma left behind a legacy of speaking your mind and standing up for what you believe in.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband Arel, her children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and her dog, Henry.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.