Marilyn C. Barker

Marilyn was born May 18,1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Abram Wilson Conover and Nelda Alice Parkes Conover. She had a loving family and a joyous childhood. She was an “Avenues girl”, exploring nature in City Creek Canyon and first learning of dance, music and art at the McCune Mansion. She attended West High School and graduated with an Art Degree from the University of Utah in 1953. Member of Delta Gamma Fraternity and served as its’ President in her Senior year. She married Desmond James Barker Jr. August 26, 1956. Later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1960. Their marriage was filled with love, adventure, and support of one another. She and Des travelled throughout the world. Because of Des she met many leaders of this nation and state. She was a great hostess. She put on countless dinners and events for the famous, the family, and groups of friends. She was a positive person. Family was always first with Marilyn. She loved her role as daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother.

A consummate interior decorator, throughout Marilyn’s life she used her skills to create beautiful environments in homes, offices, church buildings and hospitals. She was an ASID educational associate and instructor. She taught interior design at the University of Utah through the Division of Continuing Education. She taught the history of furniture and decorative arts at the University of Utah Museum of Fine Arts. She was also trained at the Winterthur Invitational Institute. She spent her lifetime working with beauty and she believed beauty to be critical for the best life.

While living in Washington D.C. she became a certified art docent at the National Gallery of Art. This experience prepared her for eventually becoming the Assistant Curator of Education at the University of Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a deep love for the Savior. She served in Ward and Stake Primary, Young Women’s, and Relief Society organizations. She cherished her time on the Relief Society General Board. While serving on the General Board, she was asked to represent her church with the National Council of Women. She was asked to be the interior designer for the entire Relief Society building when the Relief Society, Primary and Young Women organizations were consolidated into one building.

A historian of material culture with an emphasis on “Mormon or LDS” culture, she was an active lecturer and instructor with an emphasis on the history of Mormon furniture. She was the author of “Legacy of Mormon Furniture”.

A dedicated volunteer in her community, she was appointed to the Utah State Board of History and served as chairperson. She served on the Holy Cross Hospital Centennial Board and co-authored “The Early Holy Cross Hospital and the Salt Lake Valley”. Involved in the Junior League of Salt Lake City - serving on the executive board, provisional chairman and historical researcher. Involved in the Junior League of Washington D.C. executive board and museum docent chairman for the program at the National Gallery of Art. She served on the Utah Symphony Guild as Vice President and was a Ballet Guild Director. She was the founding chair of the International Students Program at the University of Utah. She also enjoyed being a member of many groups that discussed intellectual ideas, namely, Art Group, Authors Club, and many others.

She was a gifted artist. While skilled in many mediums, she preferred watercolor. She was the Utah Watercolor Society’s co-founder and served on its executive board. She was also highly skilled at needlepoint.

She was a breast cancer survivor. As a project following her cancer treatment, together with Des they restored a pioneer adobe home with 2 log cabins and a granary in Kaysville, Utah.

Marilyn was a woman of faith, grace, and culture. Curious and creative she encouraged others in their pursuits. She was remarkable. Generations have been and will be forever touched by her life.

The family would like to thank Laine Sabey for his years of physical therapy and friendship. The family is deeply grateful for Legacy House South Jordan and the Aspire hospice team for the care they gave Marilyn.

She is survived by her brother David Conover, sister Rosemary Conover (Luckey Heath), children Melinda B. Hixson (Morgan), Rosanne B. Winder (Robert), Desmond C. Barker (Jane), 10 grandchildren Timothy, Madeline (Josh), Katie, (Michael), Andrew (Nayara), Sam, Sarah (Chad), Elle (Michael), James (Sarah), Drue Ann and Matthew (Emily). 6 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband Desmond James Barker Jr., parents Abram Wilson and Nelda Parkes Conover, and brother Stephen Conover.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday March 15, 2022 at 12:00 noon, at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 3401 South Highland Drive. A viewing will be held prior to services from 10:30-11:45 AM. Services for Marilyn's service will be available for streaming via the link below:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/salt-lake-city-ut/marilyn-barker-10621088.

She will be interred in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.