Barbara Jean Hoover, 91, a lifelong Skagit County resident, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018. She was born on May 21, 1927 in Sedro-Woolley, WA, the daughter of Albert and Hazel (Rhynard) DeBay.
Barbara was raised in Clear Lake and Sedro-Woolley. She attended grade school in Clear Lake and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1946.
On April 26, 1948 she was united in marriage to Wayne “Jack” Hoover of Concrete, WA. They made their home in Concrete raising their three sons in “the house that Jack built.” Barbara lived in their home for over 61 years.
Barbara was a dedicated wife and mother. Barbara and Jack were great supporters of their sons. They missed very few (if any) sporting events throughout the eight year span of their three sons’ high school activities…both home and away! Over the years she made many friends while being involved in the community as a Cub Scout Den Mother (7 years), a member of the American Legion Auxiliary (64 years), Concrete Garden Club, United General Hospital Guild, Elks, Concrete Heritage Museum and Concrete Senior Center.
Barbara was mostly a “stay-at-home mom” while raising her family. When kids grew up and moved on, she and Jack operated the town liquor store from 1971 to 1990.
During retirement, as members of the Elks travel club, Barbara and Jack traveled to many different locations over the years. She and Jack also enjoyed being snowbirds spending many winters with friends in Yuma, AZ. Watching and supporting her grandchildren in their activities was also very important. Barbara was also a huge Seattle Mariners Fan.
Barbara is survived by her sons and their wives, Lee and Maggi Hoover of Edmonds, Les and Becki Hoover of Concrete and Larry Hoover of Concrete; as well as four grandchildren, Karissa Sokol, Brianna Jacobs, and Brandon and Mason Hoover; seven great-grandchildren, Dylan, Bodey and Adia Jacobs, Kaden and Kai Sokol, and Beckett and Madden Hoover and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Hazel; step-father, Joe Nemo; brothers, Robert, Ray and Roy and husband, Wayne “Jack” Hoover.
The Hoover family wishes to extend a special “Thank You” to Maggie Silverman, of Visiting Angels, whose weekly visits always put a smile on Barbara’s face.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Concrete with a reception to follow. Memorials are suggested to the Concrete Heritage Museum, PO Box 445, Concrete, WA 98237 or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, PO Box 567, Concrete, WA 98237. Please share your memories of Barbara and sign the online guest register.
I have so many wonderful memories of Jack and Barb. We lived on the same street and my twin sister and I spent many morning visiting with Barb in the kitchen over hot cocoa and toast! She was so wonderful to us! A Concrete icon, she will be greatly missed! Lovingly remembering her name for me, “Twin”. Terry too!
Sherry Buller
She was such a sweet lady. She always had a ready smile and easy conversation. I am grateful to have known her.
John and I first met Jack and Barb eleven years ago when we moved in down the road. Barb quickly became a family friend. She always called when something was amis. She learned our kids’ names and always asked about each one as the years went by. Our kids came to call Barb their “Concrete Grandma”! She hardly missed a day where she would greet them at her door with snacks when they got off the school bus. She had great stories and was a wealth of information about her town. When we moved, it was one of the hardest goodbyes. We are sad for the loss but comforted with the knowledge that she is reunited with her love, Jack, and her Lord and Savior. Our prayers to her family ❤️
Sally and I always enjoyed spending time with Barbara. Her knowledge and memories of the Concrete community were fascinating and will be missed. And the York mint patties business will suffer a downturn!
Our hearts are full of sorrow with the passing of a wonderful lady who we loved very much. We are going to miss this beautiful friend greatly. It warms our hearts in knowing she is at peace, is in no more pain and is once again with her loving husband, Jack.
We are keeping the family in our prayers as they adjust their lives without Barb’s daily presents. This is when memories are needed the most so we can reminisce about the times we were with Barbara.
Loving thoughts with you all.
Bill and Leatha Sullivan
To Barbara’s Family, I am very sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. She will be missed by so many plus was such an asset and addition to the Concrete community for so long.
All my sympathies,
Deanna Ray