Barbara Hamelwright Bliss

By Sun Advocate

PRICE – Barbara Olene Jensen Hamelwright Bliss passed away on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at the age of 93. She was surrounded by loving family at the time of her passing.
Born in Molen to Stanley and Eudora Caldwell Jensen, she attended schools in Carbon and Emery counties. Married Lee Hamelwright in 1930, he later died in an auto accident. They were the parents of twins, Ray and Faye.  Married Howard Bliss in 1938 and they were parents of three children, Gary, David and Kathy.
Barbara was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 
She attended Excelsis Beauty School in 1937, where she became a licensed cosmetologist. When her family was raised, she pursued her life’s dream and graduated from Carbon College in 1956 as a licensed practical nurse. For the next 30 plus years, she was actively involved in the field of nursing with a personal commitment to improving education and work status of licensed practical nurses. 
Barbara was a member of the Utah Association for Licensed Practical Nursing and, from 1956 to 1960, she served as secretary and president at the district level and, from 1960 to 1970, she was secretary, first vice president and president at the state level.  She served as executive director of the UALPN from 1970 to 1985. 
Active on state and national boards, Barbara was appointed to the Utah State Board of Nursing, where she served for 15 years – one of the longest terms on record. She was a member of the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service board for eight years. While on the board, she held the position of second vice president for two years. 
Barbara’s commitment to quality nursing was recognized in the Community Leaders of America in 1969, ’70 and ’71; Dictionary of International Biography, 1972; World’s Who’s Who of Women, 1973; International Who’s Who of Community Service, 1973. 
Since her retirement in 1985, Barbara has devoted her time to her family and compiling the family history.
She is survived by her children, Ray (Kay) Hamelwright, Ft. Worth, Texas; Faye Kay, Salt Lake City; Gary Bliss, Palm Springs, Calif.; Kathy (John) Yoklavich, Helper; 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Karen Bliss Jones and LouJeanne Bliss Lefler. Preceded in death by her parents; husbands; brother, Keith Jensen; son, David Bliss; granddaughter, Camille Yoklavich; and infant great-grandchildren, Taylor and Alex.
Funeral service Wednesday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home.  Family will be at Mitchell’s Tuesday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to service.  Interment, Price City Cemetery.
The family expresses thanks to Dallan Skelley and the staff at Beehive Homes and to Rocky Mountain Hospice for their support during these last few months.