Barbara Jean (Olson) Hill, 75, of Bayard, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at the Imperial Methodist Church on Saturday 10 am MT April 9, 2026 in Imperial, Nebraska. Interment to follow at Ash Hollow Cemetery outside of Lewellen, Nebraska at 3 pm MT.

Barbara was born on April 7, 1951, in Lewellen, Nebraska, to Robert Albin Olson and Audrey Roberta (Waltman) Olson. She grew up in rural Garden County ranching and breaking many ponies during her childhood with her parents and older brother, Jim Olson. She graduated from Garden County High School in 1969. Barbara attended Chadron State College, earning her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and Business in 1973. Later in life, she returned to college and earned a second bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development, reflecting her determination, intelligence, and lifelong commitment to children and education.

On August 5, 1972, Barbara married the love of her life, Harlow Wayne Hill. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and unconditional love.

Barbara devoted much of her life to nurturing and teaching children. She was an active member and volunteer in 4-H, served as a Lollipop Girls Club leader, and spent many years judging 4-H projects and events. She founded Teddy Bear Preschool in 1985, but her heart still was drawn to teaching children about Jesus. Through the Imperial United Methodist church’s support her dream was realized with the start of Rainbow Promise Preschool in 1995. She was the director of Rainbow Promise Preschool until May of 2019. Barbara touched countless young lives throughout her career, she was known for her patience, encouragement, and caring spirit.

Barbara was incredibly talented and creative. She was an amazing seamstress who made her own wedding dress as well as both of her daughters’ wedding dresses. She was also known as an excellent cook whose meals brought family and friends together around the table.

More than anything, Barbara treasured her family. She adored her grandchildren and was always ready to do activities with them. She would be prepared with her well stocked “baby catching bag,” a title that reflected both her humor and deep love for children and babies.

Barbara was a devoted mother to her children: Lora (Lori) Joann (Hill) Lake, Jana Kay (Hill) Schwartz, Howard Wesley Hill (stillborn) and Hadley Wade Hill (Francesca Brown Hill). She cherished her role as grandmother to Bailee Joann (Lake) Cooper (Dorry Cooper), Beau Monty Lake, Jackson Tanner Schwartz, Henry Wesley Hill, and Harvey Wayne Hill. She was also joyfully anticipating the arrival of a baby granddaughter due in June 2026.

Barbara will be remembered for her kind heart, strong faith, quiet strength, and unwavering love for others. Her warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she influenced and the family she loved so dearly. She continued to share her strong faith even with the other residents in the nursing home.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 54 years, Harlow Hill, brother, Jim Olson (Carol), children, Lori Lake, Jana Schwartz, Hadley Hill (Francesca), grandchildren, Bailee Cooper (Dorry), Beau Lake, Jackson Schwartz, Henry Hill, Harvey Hill, and Baby Girl Hill (due June 2026). Nieces and nephew, Lisa Richards, Nancy Bunville (Robbie), Jennifer Moffatt (Moe), and Peter Olson (Michelle).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Audrey Olson; her son, Howard Wesley Hill; sister-in-law Eve (Hill) Bunce, brother-in-law Virgil Bunce, special cousins Peggy Waltman and Michael Waltman, uncle Dale Waltman and numerous other uncles and aunts.

Barbara’s life was one of love, service, faith, accomplishment, and grace, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Rainbow Promise Preschool.

A Celebration of Life for Barbara will be held at 10AM MT at Imperial Methodist Church on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Rolle Walker and Bill Bauerle will be officiating and inurnment will follow at Ash Hollow Cemetery in Lewellen, Nebraska.