Barbara Faye Hulstine

Born a twin, Barbara was the eldest and the only daughter of Joanne Nigro and Albert Hulstine. After spending some time in Arizona, the family moved to California. It was there that Barbara attended primary school, and eventually graduated from Merced High School in 1978. After high school Barbara enlisted in the Army, spending time abroad in Germany. She spoke fondly of her time in service. Upon returning, Barbara eventually met Michael Hamilton. Together, they had two beautiful children Chance Franks and Megan Hamilton.

Barbara worked for Santa Nella National Veterans cemetery as the first woman to operate the vault truck. This was a job that she was proud to hold. After working in Santa Nella, Barbara started working with her mother at Merced Cemetery District as a grave digger until her mother retired. Later in life, Barbara moved to Reno, NV where she managed a bagel and coffee shop for a few years until her return to California.

Throughout her life, Barbara was an avid softball player. Some of her fondest memories were out on the field playing with friends and family. Barbara also enjoyed making tie dye, often to the dismay of her children. There were many times they came home to find that everything white in the house had been dyed while they were at school. Barbara’s favorite saying was peace, love, and happiness. Her heart was huge, and you could often find her giving her last little bit to someone in need.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Joanne and Albert. Her twin brother Robert Paul, her little brother Kevin Albert, her nephew Robert Lee, and her beloved cousin Dina Horvath. She is survived by her daughters, Chance Franks and Megan Hamilton, her best friend of over 50 years Margret Eastom, and many cherished cousins and extended family. Services for Barbara will be at a later date.

“And if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”

“I hope your dancing in the sky, I bet it’s so nice up in heaven since you arrived”

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to any homeless shelter or food pantry in her honor. Helping those who needed it more was something very near and dear to Barbara.