Barbara Jeanette Hill

As we try to wrap our hearts & heads around the sudden loss of our beloved mother, we find ourselves at a loss for words devastated by our new reality. No one ever knows when the Lord will call them home, in honor of Barbara, we ask you to love your family & friends unconditionally as she did!

Barbara Jeannette (Hayes) Hill, age 81, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2025. Despite her age, her desire to live drove her to fight the cancer head on; even buying a wig to ensure her hair would look great as she fought. Sadly, she passed away due to complications from chemo on April 2, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. She started this life on August 1, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. Barbara lived a life marked by love and unwavering devotion to her family, friends and community.

Barbara started her professional career as a beautician. Those who knew her well also knew she would always have her hair done. She enjoyed selling Avon for many decades. She served her country through Air Force Civil Service for many more decades. Her commitment and work ethic left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside her. After retiring, she continued to enrich the lives of those around her, standing in the gap for her grandchildren who had already lost their father, with the same dedication and warmth that defined her time in Civil Service.

She is known affectionately as “Grandma Barbara,” a title that reflected not only her role within her family but also the nurturing spirit she extended to all who knew her. She had a heart open to everyone and was always ready to lend a helping hand at a moment’s notice. Her kindness is not just remembered; it is felt deeply! She often extended compassion to total strangers.

Barbara found joy in the simple pleasures of life with her cocker spaniels by her side. She loved decorating for the holidays and took special delight in collecting holiday Barbie ornaments; a tradition that brought sparkle and cheer to every season. She also cherished her collection of Yorktown dishes, each piece holding memories of large elaborate gatherings filled with food, games, laughter and love.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Mary Jane & George Hayes; her children’s father, Arthur H. Oster; loving son A. Arthur Oster; beloved husband, Edward Hill; her grandchildren’s father Juan Cruz, as well as a bonus grandson, James Anthony, & great-granddaughter who passed too soon. Their memories forever etched in our hearts.

She is survived by her brothers Ronald (wife Lori; children: Melissa, Rebecca, Jennifer, Jaime, Tyler & Dylan) & Tommy (wife Cynthia; children Shannon & Shane); her daughter Amy; daughter-in-law Amanda; bonus children Vickie, James, & Christopher. Her grandchildren Ashley, Jon, Jamie, Samy, Dawson, & Amanda F, plus bonus grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great- greatgrandchildren. Her legacy will live on through each of them; via their stories, traditions, and shared memories. Barbara’s life was one of quiet strength and boundless compassion. May the memory of her love bring comfort to those she leaves behind.

Visitation will be at Porter Loring Mortuary, located at 1710 West Loop 1604 North, San Antonio, Texas 78251 on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM immediately followed by a Funeral Service in the same location, with a procession leading to graveside services at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.