Barbara Louise Russell Hortin Vanhook

On June 12th, 2023, Barbara Louise Russell Hortin Vanhook of Kamas, Utah returned to her Heavenly Father and reunited with so many loved ones that preceded her there. All those who called her Mom, Grandma Hook or Louise, will miss her dearly while rejoicing for her upgraded transition into a much better place. She worked herself through so many adversities, each one with a grateful attitude and a toughness that amazed all around her. She loved pretty much everyone she ever got to know, and was loved by them for her simple, caring nature. She loved hugs…

She was born to Orland (Heavy) Russell and Thelma Richards Russell on January 4th, 1930, in Kamas, Utah and grew up learning to love the outdoors, especially her gardens which brought her so much joy. She loved the time she spent in the mountains with her family working and playing. She was married to Arden W, Hortin on May 21st, 1948, and they brought into the world Don, Linda, Dian and Guy. Sadly, Arden passed away on September 22nd, 1959 , and on September 3rd, 1961, she married Carol Neal Vanhook. A few years later Carol’s children, Gary and Karen, joined them and they raised their blended family for the next several years together. Carol passed away on October 22nd, 2015, and Louise spent the rest of her life a widow, but never alone… she always had a large group of friends, family and neighbors around her, and she never failed to express her love and appreciation for them. She also loved to sew, crochet and Knit. A few days before she passed she proclaimed, “I sure hope there’s crocheting in heaven.” 

Louise was a devoted member of the LDS church, and she served in many capacities, including relief society presidencies. But her biggest love was serving in the primary with children that she loved to teach, and watch grow into adults who fondly remember her kindness, love and her strong but simple faith. She truly loved all of her bishops that supported her so much in her later years of life, and the many friends and neighbors that helped her and looked after her.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, husbands Arden W. Hortin and Carol N. Vanhook, a brother, Ronald W. Russell (Bessie), a sister, Anita Renee Mahaffey (Jim) a stepdaughter, Karen Vanhook Williams and a granddaughter, Jenny Lyman.

She is survived by a son, Don Deforest Hortin (Connie), her daughters Linda McCreary (Melvin) and Dian O’Driscoll (Grant), a son Guy Russell Hortin and a stepson, Gary Vanhook. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her greatly until we meet again. 

Services will be held at the Kamas LDS church with a viewing from 9:30 am to 10:45 am and a funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Oakley cemetery.