On May 30, 1951, Barbara Jean Hanson was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Bernice Mary Hanson (Zejdlik) and Melvin Waldon Hanson. In her early teens, Barb’s family relocated from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest where they finally landed in the Seattle area. She graduated from Tyee High School in 1969 and went on to study business in college.
On July 2nd 1970, she married David DeWolf. They had two children, Tonya and Chad. In 1977 the family moved to Spokane, WA where Barb, while remaining involved in her children’s studies and activities, continued her studies in information technology. She continued to develop her professional resume until she ultimately received a promotion to Senior Director, INHS/IRM where she has worked for 12 years.
At Inland Northwest Health Services Barb was a dynamic member and key leader within the informational technology division. She was accountable until her last day for nearly 100 employees as well as being senior director with oversight of the Call Center/Help Desk, Purchasing/Contracting, Technical Support, Technical Consulting and Internet Based Development. She led in the creation and growth of the Physician Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Project Management divisions and continued responsibility for these areas. During most of her last two years Barb worked remotely via video links and mobile technology and performed at the highest levels.
In addition to the passion Barb had toward her work, she maintained an even greater passion for her family. Nothing gave her more joy than to spend time with her children and grandchildren. Even though they now reside in the Seattle area, she would travel frequently for holidays, birthdays, their sporting events and other activities.
One of her favorite summer pastimes was boating. Every summer weekend found Barb either attending a soccer tournament with one of her grandkids or enjoying the beauty of Lake Roosevelt on her boat.
Although Barb is gone, she will never be forgotten. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, David; her daughter Tonya Bunnell and husband Sam; her son Chad DeWolf and wife Kimberly; her mother Bernice Hanson; her sisters Donna Adler and Debra Hanson Zueger; her brothers Gary, Terry and Randy Hanson; and her grandchildren, the 'Lights of Her Life', Samuel, Kyle, Tyler and Eric Bunnell, and Tallin and Ivorie DeWolf; also, numerous nieces and nephews.
Barb, we all love you dearly and will miss you with all our hearts.
There will be a memorial service on Friday October 12th, at 10:00 am, at the LDS church located at:
4014 S. Bowdish Rd.
Spokane Valley, WA.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to;
Children’s Miracle Network
P.O. Box 304
Spokane, WA 99210-0304
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