Barbara Jean Bontke

Barbara Jean Bontke returned home to her Heavenly Father on March 9, 2021 at the age of 76. 

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 11 from 5 to 7 pm at Hillcrest Church of Christ. Memorial service will be at 10:30 am on Friday, March 12, also at Hillcrest Church of Christ.

Barbara was born September 5, 1944 to Paul and Geraldine Farris in Dallas, Texas. Barbara moved around Texas as a child before putting down roots in Abilene, Texas when she was 12.  She graduated from Abilene High School and attended Abilene Christian College.

Barbara married Eugene Bontke on February 20, 1965 in Anson, Texas. They attended Jr. High and High School together. They didn’t get a chance to know each other very well at the time, but God brought them back together. They first hit it off at a church event at ACU. They grew closer to each other and strengthened each other’s faith.

Barbara was devoted to God her whole life. She was an active Loaves and Fishes ministry leader and a Sunday School Teacher for Hillcrest Church of Christ. She enjoyed volunteer work especially for Sojourners National Evangelism, and locally at Hope Haven, Christian Service Center, West Texas Fair, Women of ACU, and many more.

Traveling was a very fond memory for Barbara and Gene. They traveled the whole country and visited each of the 50-state capital buildings. Barbara loved traveling with the love of her life, her friends, and her family. She and Gene had many adventures including: cruising, camping trips with their children, and taking their grandkids on vacations.

Barbara enjoyed supporting all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities. She was the rock to our family and the glue that held us all together. Her loving memory will be cherished forever.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Eugene Bontke, of 56 years; children: Debbie Trammell, Rick Bontke, Mickey Bontke and wife Reene, Kenny Bontke and wife Megan; sister, Bonnie Martin and husband Mike; 11 grandchildren: Lauren Heighten, and husband Boyd, Brandon Trammell and wife McKenzy, Matt Trammell and wife Sarah, Courtney Beasley and husband Greg, Ashlynn and Colton Bontke, Liz and Carly Bontke, Brit and Brody Downs, and Ellie Bontke; 5 great grandchildren:  Harrison, Gage, Alice, Hays, and Lainee.

Memorial donations may be made to Christian Service Center of Abilene or Zambia Mission Fund.