April 26, 1943 – July 13, 2023
With a heavy heart and bittersweet gratitude, the Marchant family announces the passing of our beloved, sparkling, joyous and beautiful wife, mother and grandmother, Barbara Olson Marchant.
Barbara was born April 26, 1943 in Dorris, California to Claude and Virginia Heggie Olson. As the third child in a family of six, Barbara loved the position of being “in the middle.” Being surrounded by family and friends was Barb’s happy place — one she enjoyed her whole life.
When she was in the 8th grade, her family moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon where she lived through high school. Barbara attended Brigham Young University where she majored in education, specializing in home economics and minoring in art.
She met her husband, Jeff, in a religion class at BYU. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and enjoyed nearly 60 years together. After completing college, Barbara taught homemaking and English at Orem Jr. High. Not only did Barbara teach homemaking, she became an expert in the role as she and Jeff welcomed eight children over seventeen years.
She was always quick to point out her greatest accomplishment was raising her children. She selflessly and willingly gave her time, talents and God-given patience to raise a gaggle of children who grew up to become wonderful adults and parents, which is evidence of her exceptionalism.
Barbara was a woman with many talents and she continued her formal education, earning a Masters degree from Utah State University in education. She enjoyed teaching interior design at Southern Utah University, analyzing a set of house plans was her catnip.
Barbara was also an accomplished artist showcasing her art in several galleries. Her love and natural artistic skill is carried on through her talented grandchildren.
As a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faith and love encompassed everything Barbara did. She took every opportunity to share the testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, especially to her family, and contributed to the community in countless ways giving service and support to others.
It is impossible to detail or calculate the impact Barbara made on the lives of her family, friends, acquaintances, and even random people along her path. She scattered sunshine all along her way making this world, and all those who love her, happier.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Linda. She is survived by her husband, Jeff; eight children: Shawn (Christy), Craig (Tiffany), Darren (Klea), Ryan (Melissa), Neal (Megan), Nathan, David (Crescent), and Julie (Jonathan); her 33 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and 4 siblings: Maryann, Laura, Jane, and John.
A first viewing will be held on Thursday, July 20 from 6-8 p.m. at Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 North 300 West, Cedar City, Utah.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 21 at 11 a.m. at the Cedarview Ward Chapel, 1925 West 320 South, Cedar City, Utah. A second viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. before the funeral. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.
A very special thank you to all the nurses, doctors, healthcare providers and friends for their compassionate care of Barbara and our family. Online condolences may be left at www.mortuary.org.