BARBARA JUNE HUTCHINGS, age 73, passed away at her home in Burlington, WA on Tuesday September 17, 2002 with her family by her side, as she peacefully gave up her 15 year courageous battle with breast cancer. June was born on the family farm in Bloomfield, Iowa on June 13, 1929, the youngest of ten children of Frank Clifton & Mary Stevig Duffield. She was educated in Iowa and worked for a time at Iowa State University. She later worked at New Mexico State University where she met Harvey Hutchings, and they were married on December 23, 1953. Shortly after their marriage, June gave up her career outside the home to become a full-time wife, mother and homemaker. Her husband’s career took them to Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon in 1955, where they resided until 1964. From there June, Harvey and their four children moved to Annandale, Virginia where they lived for twelve years. In 1977, another career move took the family to the Seattle area. In 1990 June and Harvey retired to their home in Burlington.
June dedicated her life to her family as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Many fond memories are shared of the warmth of her kitchen as she baked fresh bread and canned garden produce. She also spent countless hours making quilts for her children. Her illness prevented her from finishing that task, but she entrusted her daughters to do so.
She provided love and care to all who knew her, and she will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Her strength and determination throughout her long battle with cancer was an inspiration. It was another demonstration of her character as a role model for her children. Perseverance, compassion and honesty with a strong gentle spirit is how June will be remembered. Her work here is finished and we will miss her. We take comfort in knowing she is in a better place with the Lord’s blessing, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’.
June is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Harvey at the family home. 1 son and 3 daughters and their families. Randy & Carol Hutchings and their children Adam, Meagan and Hayley, of Nampa, Idaho. Sandra & Mike Coyne and their children Erin & Drew of Kingwood, Texas, Ann & Dwain Dickinson and their children Justin & Ashley of Partlow, Virginia and Susie Hutchings and her children Jacob & Ben of Bellingham, WA. Eight siblings, Florence Erhardt and Opal Anderson of Bloomfield, Iowa, Ruby Kosters of Walnut Creek, CA, Ted Duffield of Green Valley, AZ, Edna Hubbard and Pauline Breese of Camano Island, WA, Paul Duffield of Alamagordo, NM and Madalyn Marker of Seabeck, WA. She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 sister, Ruth Wilson.
June specifically requested to be cremated and that no formal services be held. The family will plan a Celebration of Life at a later date when all her children can attend.
The family suggests memorials be made to; Skagit Hospice, PO Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or Virginia Mason Medical Center Foundation, Department 34, PO Box 34935, Seattle, WA 98124, ATTN: Cancer Institute.
Cremation and arrangements under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
You may share your thoughts and memories of June by signing our on-line guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com
My family knew June and Harvey when they lived in Corvallis, Oregon in the 1960’s. June was such a beautiful soul. They welcomed us into their home during the Columbus Day storm in 196 when we lost power at our own house. I loved everything about this family and was heartbroken when they moved a couple years later; I never saw them again but always remembered their kindness.