Barbara Ann Hull

SUNRISE Nov. 30, 1957 - SUNSET Feb. 24, 2016

Barbara Ann Hull (Barb) passed away peacefully in home on Feb. 24, 2016, in Scottsdale due to complications from a terminal illness. She was 58 years old.

Born on Nov. 30, 1957, Barbara was a Massachusetts native, growing up in Wakefield and spending her childhood summers on Cape Cod. As a teenager, Barbara attended and graduated from Nazareth Academy.

Later in life, she was a graduate of Criminal Justice from Hesser College and also received her Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University.

Mrs. Hull’s career, much like her life, revolved around helping people. While living in New England, she served in various roles; operating room nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, office manager/book keeper at Melvin Village Garage, entrepreneur/court transcriber at MV Office Services and, most notably, Police Officer for Ossipee Police Department.

Barbara’s work as a police officer spanned from patrols, working with juveniles and prosecuting cases. However, Mrs. Hull was proud of not just the work she accomplished, but also the lives she touched and relationships she forged.

As Barbara’s health deteriorated, her family was forced to move from New Hampshire to the arid climate of the deserts of Arizona. Settling in Fountain Hills, Barbara worked as a Medical Secretary for the Mayo Clinic until her children graduated high school.

With the encouragement of her husband, Chris, Barbara decided to pursue her lifelong dream to own and train horses. Together, they found a beautiful horse property, designed and built their own home, and lived the life that she had always wanted.

Soon, one horse became four, and Mrs. Hull became actively involved in the community. She was a board member of the Rio Verde Horseman’s Association (RVHA) and an active member of the Fountain Hills Mounted Sherriff’s Posse.

Although Barbara’s work as a member of RVHA centered on conservation, horseman’s rights and her love for riding her horses, it’s what she didn’t do for “work” that is how she will most be remembered.

Barbara’s outlook on life was always so positive. As her disease took pieces of her physical body, those around her were always amazed at how her spiritual body wasn’t only intact, but stronger.

Each surgery she had seemed to make Barb more determined to get back on her horse and ride. Those around her took notice of this spirit and desire to seize all that life had to offer. Her legacy will live on thanks to the efforts of her friends and community, who successfully petitioned the city to recognize a trail in her name.

In April of 2015, with Barbara present, “Barb’s Trail” was dedicated and officially named by the city, one of the highlights of Barb’s life.

Mrs. Hull is survived by her husband, Chris; son, Joe; daughter, Jenn; grandsons, Christopher and Andrew; horses Lani, Reggie and Buster; and dog, Sally. She is preceded in death by her horse, Touch, and dogs JJ, Buddy, CJ and Joe.

A memorial service will be held at Messenger Mortuary on 8555 E Pinnacle Peak Road in Scottsdale on March 12 at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Barbara’s life.