Barbara "Bobbie" Hutchins

Barbara "Bobbie" Hutchins
April 19, 1936 — November 12, 2024
Grantsville

There were 3 who called her mom and 53 who called her Grandma Hutch ... but there was only one who called her “Chicken” and he was her “Dickie Bird” ... and now they are together, never to say goodbye again.

 Barbara Ann Jefferies Hutchins, lovingly referred to as “Bobbie,” was born April 19, 1936. She was adored by her parents, Richard Calbert and Chleo Fidler Jefferies. She was the caboose of her family by 8 years but even with that span of time, her brother and 2 sisters were her dearest friends. They lived a happy life together, making memories, surrounded by family in their beloved Grantsville, Utah. It was in this place where Bobbie attended school with the classmates she loved and graduated with in 1954. It was in this place where her hands blessed countless lives until the day she passed on November 12, 2024, at the age of 88.

 Bobbie’s hands always held tight to her family and especially her one true love, Richard Keel Hutchins. Most people called him Dick but to her, he was her “Dickie Bird.” They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 7, 1956. It was a blizzardy day but opened the door to a lifetime of sunshine filled moments together. Wherever one was, the other was there too and behind them both you’d always find their daughter and two sons. They raised their little family in the manner of happiness on Hale Street in Grantsville, in their little house with it’s cute rock wall. Family was the focus of their lives. 

 Bobbie’s hands were always busy making things special for her family, for they were her favorite pastime. She was the best “Grandma Hutch.” It was her face, along with Grandpa’s, that each grandchild searched for in the crowd. Whether it be a ballgame, a school program or graduation, those faces were always there! She made holidays and parties on the deck full of fun and laughter. Her grandchildren will never forget her yummy old-fashioned sugar cookies, the afghans she made for each of them or dancing around the circle of her house as she played fun tunes on the organ. She worked to keep her family close, and her favorite days were when they were all together. They’ll be missing her kisses on the lips until they see her again.

 Bobbie’s hands made the most beautiful music. Her fingers on the keys of the piano and organ could have your toes a tappin’ one second and your eyes weeping the next. She played with deep emotion and touched the hearts of all who heard her. And if you were lucky enough to hear her play the organ bells at Christmastime, then you were one of the truly lucky ones! She loved playing on the Grantsville Sociable and for the Grantsville Opera House Memorial Theatre Group. Her talents didn’t stop with her fingers though, her voice was up there with the angels. When she would harmonize with her mother and sisters it was thrilling! Their numbers were requested for events all around town and are ones that will never be forgotten.

 Bobbie’s hands were always over her heart when the American flag was in view. She loved this country and never took for granted the freedom we enjoy. One of her greatest honors was to be Grantsville’s Grand Marshall on July 4, 2022. She was so thrilled to be able to vote before she passed. If you can bless America from the other side, she will be doing it!

Bobbie’s hands were filled with service, but she’d probably say it was just love. She served all of Grantsville as she readily used her musical gifts to play for hundreds of funerals, choirs and programs. She had a unique gift to make friends with everyone she met and make everyone around her feel valued and loved. This was never more apparent than the days before her passing as friends flocked to her bedside to thank her for the difference she’d made in their lives. Yes, her life was filled with service to others, but the greatest was to that of her Dickie Bird as he struggled with Parkinson’s Disease for 17 years. What an amazing example she was to all who witnessed this labor of love.

 Bobbie’s hands and heart loved the Savior and our Heavenly Father. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings throughout her life, but one constant was that of ward organist, which she held until just three years ago. She was thrilled to see what she never thought she’d see in her lifetime, a temple in the Tooele Valley! She was able to attend the open house and feel the spirit there. She had a strong and unwavering testimony of Joseph Smith and the restored Gospel. She shared it over and over in her last weeks on earth. She knew where she was going after this life and looked forward to it with joy, knowing she would be with loved ones and the Savior again.

 She leaves behind many tear-stained but thankful faces ... her children and their spouses, Mark (Tamee) Hutchins, Jeri (Kevin) Butler and Jeff (Krista) Hutchins ... her 11 grandchildren, Megan, Jacob, Taylor, Lindsay, Ryan, Whitney, Austin, Tyson, Dillon, Tanner, Jackson and their spouses ... her 31 great-grandchildren ... her sister-in-law, Dolores Bracken ... her nieces and nephews, who she loved beyond measure ... and countless cousins and friends. 

 Waiting for her in Heaven were her beloved husband, parents and siblings, Elaine (Richard) Beacham, Clyde (Barbara) Jefferies, Jeanine (Don) Johnson ... her parents-in-law, Elmer and Louva Keel Hutchins and siblings-in-law Calvin (Luana) Hutchins and Don Bracken ... her great granddaughter, Gracie Hope Critchlow ... and many beloved nieces and nephews.

 Funeral services will be held November 18, 2024, at 12:00 PM, with a viewing prior from 10:30-11:30 AM. There will also be a viewing Sunday evening, November 17, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 PM. All services will be held at the Grantsville West Stake Center, 115 E. Cherry Street, Grantsville, UT and the interment will be at the Grantsville City Cemetery. Services can also be viewed online Zoom - Barbara "Bobbie" Hutchins Funeral. The family expresses appreciation for the Grantsville 4th Ward, Jordan at Atlas Hospice and Didericksen Memorial.

 Bobbie was one of Grantsville’s truly elect ladies, in fact many called her an icon. She would laugh at that but all who knew her would agree it was true. She will be missed by all who live in her beloved Grantsville. Heaven is a lucky place to have her hands, her music and her unconditional love. We hope they love hearing her play the organ bells on Christmas Day as much as we have ... and we hope maybe we’ll be able to hear them from afar. Until we meet again, we love you dear Bobbie.