Barbara Rosene (Hawks) Hedges

Barbara Rosene Hedges was born on March 6, 1933, to Roland and Marguerite (Keilman) Hawks in Wray, Colorado, and passed away on March 7, 2022, at 89 years old in Long Beach, California. Barbara grew up in Wray, played the saxophone in the high school marching band, was a cheerleader, a member of the 4-H Club and worked as a soda-jerk after school at her uncle, Dean Henry’s, pharmacy/drug store.

Barbara married Norman Clegg of Haigler, Nebraska right after graduating from high school. Soon afterwards, they moved to California where she eventually became a long-time resident of Rossmoor, CA and an active member of the Los Altos Methodist Church. Barbara had four children.  In 1974, Barbara married John S. Kelly, who was a loving stepfather to her children for 23 years until he passed away in 1997. In 2001, Barbara married Fred Hedges, who passed away in 2003.  In her later years, Barbara has been a loving friend to Don Warris.

Barbara was a businesswoman and worked as a worker’s compensation claims adjuster and claims manager until she was 79 years old.  She actively supported the fine arts community in Long Beach.

One of Barbara’s greatest delights was spending time with her family and friends.

An active and loving mother and grandmother she attended most, if not all, of her children’s and grandchildren’s softball, baseball, soccer, basketball games, as well as the important moments in their lives, including birthdays, weddings, and graduations. She was a good listener and always provided encouraging words of loving support.

Barbara had a zest for life, a quick wit and a great sense of humor. She was a sharp dresser. Barbara was poised, gracious and had a generous heart. She was a loyal, sincere and supportive friend. Barbara shared trips to Las Vegas, went to her Wray High School class reunions, played bridge every week, and attended theatrical events into her late 80s. Barbara was an avid sports fan who remained true to the Denver Broncos, the Los Angeles Lakers and, in more recent years, the USC Trojans.  Barbara was a lover of art and beauty and took her children and grandchildren to plays at the Music Center in Los Angeles as well as art and cultural exhibits.  She loved to read, appreciated a good mystery and was a big Harry Potter fan.  She also enjoyed listening to music, singing and dancing. Barbara enjoyed going to movies with her family and was particularly fond of the Star Wars series. She liked to garden and took walks in her neighborhood, often pointing out the names of local flora.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Roland and Marguerite, her sister Bernice, her three husbands John S. Kelly, Fred Hedges, Norman Clegg and her son, James Clegg.

She is survived by her loving children: Unity Imani-ImoJah (a.k.a. Terry Clegg), Safire Rose and John C. Kelly; her beloved grandchildren: Malauka Watson, Carl Watson, Ryan Clegg, Kylie Kelly, Jake Kelly, Ashley Stephens; her dear daughters-in-law: Dana Clegg, Christine Kelly and Christy Engels, and her loving friend, Don Warris, his granddaughter, Barbara and his great-granddaughter, Mia.

Barbara will be sorely missed.  She was loved and cherished by her family and friends and she will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you, Barbara, for lighting up our lives with your loving presence.

The funeral service will be held at the Wray United Methodist Church, 500 Blake Street, Wray, CO at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, with Pastor Ben Wentworth IV officiating. Interment will be in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado. Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.