Barbara Bell Hinkle

Of Prior Lake, MN, formally of Jackson MI, passed away May 25th, 2024 at the age of 92.  She was the only child of David and Hazel Bell and was born and raised in New Haven, Indiana.  She attended Ball State University before moving to Jackson with her parents where she continued her education at Jackson Community College.  While there she was on the homecoming court in 1951.  It was at this time that she met the love of her life, Norman Hinkle and they married in 1952.  Together they raised three children, Pamela, Sharon and Daniel.

In the early seventies, Barb returned to college and earned her degree as a registered nurse.  She went on to practice her skill at Foote Hospital in Jackson and after moving to California she worked at Stanford University Medical Center.

Barb was a wonderful Mom and her home was always welcoming to family and friends.  She loved to entertain and was a great cook. Summer weekends were spent at their cabin on the Cheboygan River.   In her later years, she loved to walk.  Up until three weeks before her death, she was walking three miles every day.

Barb was preceeded in death by her husband, Norman Hinkle in 2016, just 6 days  after celebrating their 64th anniversary.

She is survived by her children, Pamela (John Cook), Sharon (Kent Farmer) and Daniel (Jann), foster daughter Kay (Denny Murk), grandchildren, Christopher Cook(Jenny), Patrick Cook and Katie Cook (Thijs Verschuuren), Ryan Farmer, Shane Farmer (Mariana ), Hillary Hinkle (Charles Koll), McKenna Hinkle and Jackson Hinkle. Gigi was also loved by 6 great grandchildren, Sophie Farmer, Harmon, Henry and Hazel Cook, Elin and Arjen Verschuuren and a new great granddaughter due in July.

At her request, she has been cremated.  She will be reunited with Norman at a graveside service with her family later this month.