Robin L. Hurlbutt

Robin L. Hurlbutt

January 4, 1960 – February 7, 2022

Robin Lynne (Walker) Kalina Hurlbutt passed through the gates of Heaven on Monday, February 7, 2022, at the age of 62, in the arms of her husband at their home in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Robin will be remembered for the many lives she touched, the endless love she showed to her family, friends, and strangers alike and the inspiration she shared with the world through her art.

Robin was born to Earleen and Jim Walker on January 4, 1960, in Omaha, Nebraska, where she grew up surrounded by a big family and many friends.  She often visited her grandparents in Pawnee City, Nebraska, where she would spend time with her many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

When she was a kid, Robin loved riding her bike, sledding, babysitting, hunting for four-leaf clovers (she found many) and wearing jewelry from her mom’s extensive collection.  She played the flute and was an impressive baton majorette, twirling at recitals and in parades, sometimes even with flaming batons.

Robin attended and graduated from Omaha South High School in 1978 where she was involved in student council, cheerleading, swimming, DECA, choir, band, and debate to name a few. After high school, Robin went to Capitol Beauty School and graduated in 1979.  She completed courses in typography and graphic design at Metropolitan Community College in 2010.

Robin was a talented artist, known for bringing beauty into the world through many personal and professional endeavors.  She worked as a cake designer and decorator, most recently at Hy-Vee, and she always spoiled her friends and family with the most beautiful and delicious cakes.  Robin was also an extremely skilled calligrapher and entrepreneur, founding Classic Calligraphy in March 1983.

Robin spent her entire adult life in Omaha.  She was a proud Nebraska Husker and a true patriot–a fan of all things USA.  She loved going to $5 movies on Tuesdays and Sundays, working in the yard and sitting outside by the fire pit on Saturday evenings.  Robin enjoyed traveling and her favorite places to visit as an adult were Kansas City, Kansas, San Francisco, California, Branson, Missouri, and the Black Hills in South Dakota.

The joy and light of Robin’s life were her two daughters, Ashlee and Alli, who she raised with her first husband, Dennis Kalina, until he passed away in 2005, and her two grandchildren Kali and Kayson.  She loved them all more than anything and told them so every chance she had.

In 2011, Robin was reunited with Rich Hurlbutt at the funeral of their mutual friend’s mother.  Little did she know, Rich always had a crush on Robin, but their timing had never been right.  Fate finally worked its magic on that enchanted “hot chocolate day”, and the two were married on September 28, 2013, in a beautiful ceremony at their Bellevue home, surrounded by family and close friends all donning concert tees in celebration of Robin and Rich’s shared love of live rock music.

Robin is survived by her husband, Rich Hurlbutt; two daughters, Ashlee Olson (Jason) and Alli Kalina; grandchildren, Kali and Kayson Olson; mother, Earleen Walker; stepfather, Keith Walker; sisters, Melonie Burton (Robert), Michelle Christo (Ray), Pam Adler (Ron), Loretta Martin (Gene); brothers, Steven Walker (Laurie), Christopher Walker (Karey); nieces: April Avery (Brandon), Amber Nguyen (Hieu), Aubrey Smith, Sydnie Burton, Jeanee Niki Christo; nephews, David Martin (Cassie), Zachary Christo, Scott Walker (Sarah), Coleton Burton, and Derek Walker.

Robin’s family finds comfort knowing Robin experienced a life filled with love and so many happy memories.  Her legacy lives on through the hundreds of lives she has touched and impacted through her care and compassion.  

Her family is at peace knowing Robin is no longer in pain and has been welcomed into paradise by her grandma and grandpa, Myrtle and Lloyd Edgerton; aunts; uncles; cousins; first husband and the father of her daughters, Dennis Kalina; and her mentor, Joy Grasmick.

Her Celebration of Life will take place Thursday, February 10th, at West Center Chapel with Visitation from 4pm to 6pm and a Memorial Service at 6pm.  

 The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the family.

 

15 Comments

  • William Salzar Posted February 8, 2022 2:13 pm

    Prayers are with you and your family Rich

  • Karma Huss Posted February 8, 2022 2:32 pm

    Robin had been a friend since I was about 15 years of age. She was a beautiful person inside and out. We had been through so very much together the good, bad and everything in between. She was a light in my life. Her memory will live on in my heart for ever.

  • Roger Baldwin Posted February 8, 2022 4:16 pm

    Robin, you will be missed by all who knew you.

  • Linda & John Laughlin Posted February 8, 2022 5:19 pm

    In Our Hearts & Memories Forever

  • Robin P Unger Posted February 8, 2022 11:38 pm

    I know Robin thru the Burton from kc, I consider Melone my best friend. Mel I’m here for you . God bless all Robin’s lived ones,,sending prayers. I’m deeply sorry. Robin U.

    • Melonie Burton Posted February 9, 2022 2:54 pm

      Thank you Robin, I love you & miss you! As I said before, Robins have a special place in my heart! ❤️

  • Robert Weibel Posted February 8, 2022 11:55 pm

    Robin always had an unconditional love for people. My heart goes out to everyone she touched. This is not goodbye, it’s until we meet again. My deepest sympathies

  • Steven M Walker Posted February 9, 2022 6:54 pm

    My heart rejoices for Robin who, because of her love of and trust in Jesus Christ is in heaven now. My heart breaks for those left behind. Everyone remaining figured there would be lots of time left. I am grateful she did not suffer and that many left behind will see her again one day. How amazing that day will be. Robin, you had and have a big wonderful heart. See you later! I will love your family in your absence.

  • Gieselle Goatcher Posted February 10, 2022 5:18 am

    You have touched the lives of so many Robin. There is a special place in heaven for you my friend I will see you again one day and what a party we will have.. Love you to the moon snd back.. fly high my angle. Thank you for every selfless thing you have done for me.I will never forget you.

  • Steven M Walker Posted February 10, 2022 1:40 pm

    Robin you left behind a lot of grieving people. Your earthly life ended too soon but your heavenly life will go on forever. So many who are feeling the sting of your loss will be with you in the next life. You left a hole in this world where you used to fill it. Those that remain will need to pick up the pieces and remember how good we had it with you in our lives. Thanks for the memories! I will miss you sis, until I join you!

  • Lesley Knox Posted February 10, 2022 2:54 pm

    I met Robin when I photographed her daughter, Ashlee and Jason’s wedding. She was a heart of gold and she lent me her “Thank You” hand created sign for many weddings after that. The last time I borrowed it she told me to keep it. I am blessed by her!

    One memory I have was when I was at the house and they had planned to let a family pup go that same day. Ashlee and Robin let the dog eat an entire Hershey’s bar. We all leaned that day that the medicine used to ease dogs into Rainbow Bridge was the same medicine used to treat dogs allergic to chocolate. The dog had a burst of energy after the shot and was released at a later date.

    I pray that many memories of laughter fill the hearts of Ashlee and Alli and their family!

  • Glenda Tribolet Posted February 10, 2022 3:01 pm

    Although my heart aches at this sudden life change, I will celebrate with you Robin. Thank you for being a good friend to my mother, your ‘step-mother’ all these years. I can’t say that I wish I would of lived closer, but I can say I wish we would of known one another better. You have two amazing daughters who will continue to make the world a better place because of you.

    My greatest sympathy to the family and the many great people who surrounded Robin in her life.

    Glenda

  • Belinda Willert Posted February 10, 2022 5:02 pm

    Mike and I have many wonderful memories of Robin. Will miss her greatly. She was one sweet and talented lady. She loved her family with her whole heart and would do anything for them. Sending love and hugs. ❤️🙏🏻

  • Terri Lynch Posted February 10, 2022 8:21 pm

    Robin was such an inspiration to all! Her positive personality, bubbly energy, her laughs, and oh that smile! Her energy was contagious and all who met her loved her! She was so talented and everyone can see how big her heart was! Prayers for the entire family as we are incredibly sorry for your loss. Rest knowing she is in a better place and Our Dad has welcomed her into heaven with him. Thinking of you all and sending love. The Lynch’s — John, Terri & Alexa

  • Missy McCormick Posted February 13, 2022 7:24 am

    Although our family never met Robin in person, she and her family hold a special place in our hearts. We were saddened to hear about her passing. Missy, Karen, Paul and Michael McCormick

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