Barbara "Barbie" I. Hamblen

October 22, 1937 – March 25, 2025

On March 25, 2025, the light in our world got a little dimmer. It is with profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of our cherished Barbie Hamblen at age 87. Although her health had been declining, her radiant spirit and boundless joy remained ever-present, touching the lives of all who knew her.

Barbie was a beacon of light and love—deeply treasured by her family, friends, and community. Her infectious laughter, joyful heart, and warm presence made everyone feel special and seen. Her love for opening her beautiful Bay Home for Annual 4th of July, Tugboat Races, Christmas Boat Parade Parties, and any other excuse to throw a party was endearing. She entertained with grace, generosity and of “knowing no stranger”. She found peace in her garden, happiest with her hands in the dirt. She found pure joy on the water— boating, beach combing, razor clam digging and gazing her “her” Mountain and “Barbie’s Bay”. She created memories full of laughter, love, and light on every adventure

A dedicated leader, Barbie served as president of her Theta group for many years, where she was dearly loved and respected. She was also an active and proud member of the Everett High School Class of 1955 Reunion Planning Committee, staying closely connected to her roots and lifelong friendships. One of her most delightful claims to fame: being crowned “Miss July” on the Everett High School Class of ’55’s 50th Class Reunion Calendar—a title she wore with pride and sparkle as well as the National Canadian Women’s Waterski Champ in 1957.

Barbie’s heart for service shone brightly through her work with the Olympia Orthopedic Guild, where she helped raise funds for children’s healthcare. At the Olympia Golf and Country Club, she was a familiar and beloved face—always ready with raffle tickets in hand and a smile for every guest at Grandma’s Tournaments

Barbie was a wellspring of wisdom—offering heartfelt advice, gentle truths, and words that now live on in the spirits and souls of those she touched.

Barbie as a Theta at University of Washington met a charming Sigma Nu named Wesley Hamblen. The love birds were married in 1957 and began married life filled with love, travel and tons of fun. Then first came the birth of Dan, then Julie, then Bobby. Wes’ successful IBM career took them to New York and Indiana before they finally returned to their treasured Pacific Northwest and the home on the shores of Olympia’s Budd Inlet (better known as “Barbie’s Bay) whose gardens Barbie filled with flowers and whose rooms she filled with family and friends. Even when grief showed up, when first Wes died, then Bobby—both much too young—Barbie leaned into her devoted friends and family filling her days with tropical trips, happy hours and the life-giving adventures of grandkids and great grandkids. She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Wes and son, Bobby

Barbie is survived by her son, Daniel David Hamblen (Susan Ehm) and her daughter, Julie Marie Hamblen Barron (Steve Barron). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Mikey David Drennon (Courtney), Cody Lee Drennon, Tawni Marie Drennon, Brookey Summers Drennon, and Connie Adele Hamblen (Brian Kane). Her legacy continues in her beloved great-grandchildren: Duke Michael Drennon (13), Miles David Drennon(10), Cohen Lee Frederick (12) , and Lennox Adele Kane (9 months).

A celebration of Barbie’s beautiful life will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 1:00 PM at Mills & Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, Washington. In Barbie’s true spirit, feel free to sport your Red, White and Blue or Husky or Seahawks attire. All are welcome to join in honoring her incredible life. The family would like to invite you to a fun no-host open mic celebration at the Olympia Golf and Country Club from 3-6:00pm

In her honor, we invite you to share a smile, offer a kind word, or spread a little sunshine—just like she always did. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission (https://support.savethechildren.org/) or GRuB (https://www.goodgrub.org/donate)

We will love you forever, Barbie. Your light will never fade.