Barbara Jean Wilson

Rev 2 1/25/95

Barbara Jean Wilson, born 1935 on the Navajo Reservation near Gallup, NM, passed on January 18, 2025. 

Barbara’s parents brought her from Santa Fe to Los Alamos in March of 1943, where her father, George Hillhouse, was in charge of the meat department of the Manhattan Project Army Commissary. Her mother, Dorothy Hillhouse, became one of the early teachers at Central School. Barbara graduated from the Los Alamos Public School system in 1952. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1956 and an M.A. in Elementary Psychology in 1957, both from Colorado State College of Education in Greely. She taught fourth grade at Mesa Elementary and sixth grade at Canyon School, both in Los Alamos.

In 1956, Barbara was chosen to represent Los Alamos County at the NM State Fair as the first Los Alamos Rodeo and Fair Queen. She also showed her trick pony, Tony, during rodeo performances here in town. Her family was known for riding Tennessee Walking horses and organizing the annual fall horseback ride and breakfast at Guaje Reservoir.

Barbara met her husband, Norman Wilson, in Los Alamos. After they married in 1959, she left the teaching profession to raise their three children. Barbara’s philosophy was that parents need to support the activities their children become involved in, which included Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Danville Amberjack Swim Team, the Lutheran Church (teaching Sunday School and Confirmation classes), and volunteering at the various schools the children attended. When the children entered Jr. High, Barbara began several years of substitute teaching in local elementary schools before taking a position with LASL in the Bradbury Science Museum, where she served until retirement in 1991.

Barbara’s interests were wide. Horses were always a central theme. Needlepoint and sewing crafts were also a favorite, and she taught several classes for a local yarn shop in the White Rock Shopping Center. Dog training and rescue became a big part of her life in later years, where Barbara, Norm, and her daughter Sandy rescued dogs of the Keeshond breed for thirty years through their organization Karing Keeshond Rescue. The dogs, wearing their little red cowboy hats, were a favorite during parades in town. About 50 Keeshonds were rescued and found forever homes due to their efforts. Barbara, Norm, and Sandy also taught dog training in Los Alamos and the Santa Fe dog clubs. Most recently, Barbara served as a docent at the Los Alamos History Museum, where she enjoyed sharing her experiences of early Los Alamos with visitors.

Barbara is survived by her three children, Sandra (Mark), Scott (Anne, and grandson Alex), all of NM, and John (Patricia) of CO. 

She was a local member of the United Church, Los Alamos Historical Museum, and Community Bible Study, teaching and participating in discussions. Barbara was also a member of the MOWW (Military Order of World Wars), Los Alamos Chapter. 

A Memorial Service will be held at the United Church of Los Alamos at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 22, 2025. 

In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested that donations be made to the United Church Memorial Fund or to the Los Alamos Animal Shelter.

The family of Barbara Wilson has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477