With a heavy heart, we share the passing of our loved one. Barbara Louise Hanson / Hovis age 86, passed away peacefully in her home on August 02, 2025, in Butte, MT. Barb was born on June 20, 1939, to her parents Melvin Walter Hanson and Daisy Elna Hanson in Whitehall, MT. She was the oldest of four siblings, her sisters Donna Tenneson, Sheryl Duffy and brother Danny Hanson, who grew up on a ranch in Cardwell.
Barbara attended Cardwell school through the eighth grade, she then attended Whitehall Highschool, where she participated as a cheerleader and was named the Homecoming Queen as a senior. She graduated from Whitehall Highschool in 1957. She then attended St. Pats Nursing School, graduating in 1960, the same year she married Norman Robert Hovis.
Together, they had five children, Gary, Roger, Karen, Lisa, and Leslie.
Barbara was a nurse of many talents. She worked in Butte at both the Silver Bow General Hospital and St. James Hospital for twenty-seven years. Barb also served as President of the Montana Nurses Association. She then left for Washington in 1987 to further her nursing career. She was a labor and delivery nurse and even delivered her first grandchild Brittney. Barb later worked on the IV team in Seattle, WA. When Barb retired at age 70, she flourished her hands in her beautiful garden. In May of 2024 she returned to Montana and lived the last year of her life surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
“The Love of Gardening is a Seed Once Sown that Never Dies” – Gertrude Jekyll
Barbara is survived by her sisters, Donna Tenneson and Sheryl (Dave) Duffy; her children, Roger (Sherry) Hovis, Karen Hovis, Lisa (Steve) Grachan, and Leslie Hovis; grandchildren, Daniel (Mayra) Greene, Dawn (Mike) Denning, Brittney (Kyle) Fradenburgh, Derek (Kayla) Metcalf, Jacob (Jackie) Duran, Ryen Grachan, Kinzie Rust and Christopher Rust; great grandchildren, Kiana, Alexa, Julian, Austin, Ashlee, Jeremy, Shade, Haidyn, Ainsley, KyrieAnn, Norman, and Hazel; great-great grandchildren, Issac, Mateo, Arora, Adaline, Everlee, and Hailee.
Barbara was proceeded in death by her parents, Melvin and Elna Hanson; her brother, Danny Hanson; and her son, Gary Hovis who passed away at just one day old.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 pm, on August 09, 2025, at Uno’s in the back room,3235 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT, 59701.
Barbara will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Barbara and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Barbara.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 9, 2025
Uno's
3235 Harrison Ave.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 9, 2025
Uno's
3235 Harrison Ave.
Butte, MT 59701
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Flora Ramey Gilmer says
I has the honor of working with Barb as a new graduate at St James from 1986 until she left for Seattle! She was an amazing mentor and kind friend during my formative years. I have thought of her many times through the years. I send love and hugs to all of her family who must learn to navigate this life with a huge holes in your hearts! 💔
Dee Rozan says
Thinking of you all with sincere sympathy
Tom and Dee Rozan