Barbara Gail Watson Ranck

Barbara Gail Watson Ranck, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Born in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, and raised in Salt Lake City, she was the daughter of William Elliott Watson and Maurine Merle Seely and remained a lifelong resident of Salt Lake City.

Barbara graduated from East High School and the University of Utah. During her studies, she served in the Air Force ROTC and completed an internship in Washington, D.C., experiences that broadened her world and strengthened her sense of purpose.

On June 14, 1962, Barbara married her sweetheart, Lyle Elsworth Ranck Jr., in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where they were sealed for time and all eternity. Together they raised three children: Brian Lyle Ranck (Connie), Michele Louise Watson (Corey), and Scott William Ranck (Prisca). Barbara cherished her growing family, which eventually included eleven grandchildren—Sara, Thomas, Adam, Samuel, CJ, Treavor, Malik, Jahmal, Kendall, Keara, and Karson—and four great grandchildren: Jones, JT (Jarvis Thomas), Makai, and Kareli.

Barbara enjoyed two meaningful and distinct careers. She spent many years in banking, working for First Security Bank, Commercial Bank, and Rocky Mountain State Bank. Her true passion, however, was teaching. She devoted herself to students at Olympus Jr., Evergreen Jr., and Cottonwood High Schools, where she taught English, Business English, Keyboarding, Economics, and other courses. Her influence was deep and lasting, touching countless young lives.

Barbara is preceded in death by her sister, Sherron Ann DeVos.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, January 17th at 11:00 a.m. at the Grandview Ward Building, 2930 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84109.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 17th at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in the Rosemont section, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84106.