Barbara Joyce Hultquist Kimball

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara Joyce Hultquist Kimball, our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Barbara passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 92.

Barbara was born on April 27, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the youngest of four children to Arnold E. and Mabel Knapton Hultquist. She embraced life with enthusiasm from a young age, actively participating in 4-H, Jobs’ Daughters and the Pep Club. After graduating from East High School in 1951, she pursued higher education at the University of Utah and Washington University in St. Louis, setting the stage for a truly groundbreaking career.

A Trailblazer in Physical Therapy

In 1955, Barbara proudly earned her Bachelor’s degree from Washington University’s Program in Physical Therapy in St. Louis, Missouri. She was among the first classes to receive a Bachelor’s degree in the field, and her graduating class conducted some of the earliest clinical trials that helped shape physical therapy into what it is today. She cherished the lifelong friendships she made with her classmates from 1955.

Barbara dedicated an incredible 40 years to her physical therapy career, retiring in 1996. For 35 of those years, she served at Shriners Hospital, where she became the Head of the Department for many years. Her passion for the profession extended to teaching physical therapy classes and continuously seeking further certifications and schooling across the country, always striving to advance her knowledge and the field.

A Life Rich in Family, Faith, and Community

In October 1955, Barbara married her beloved Alfred S. Kimball. Together, they lovingly raised their three children in Midvale, Utah, until Al's passing in 1986. Both Barbara and Al were deeply involved in their children's lives, actively participating in youth sports and scouting to various community activities. Barbara also found joy in many years of bowling, both with Al and in women’s leagues.

Barbara's commitment extended deeply into her faith and community. She spent 28 years as the organist at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sandy, Utah. She rarely missed a Sunday service, and her beautiful gift of music offered both a touch of prayer and celebration. Her music touched many and was a treasured part of the church community. In 1998, she retired from playing to dedicate more precious time to her cherished grandchildren. She adored "Grandma days," which were filled with joyful trips to Gardner Village, Hogle Zoo, and other exciting adventures.

She was also an active participant in Church Women United and Women of the World for several years, serving as a board member in various capacities until 2024.

Cherished Legacy

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her beloved husband Al, and her grandson Braden Kimball.

Her memory will be forever cherished by her loving children: David Kimball, Karen Naylor (Barry), and Steven Kimball. She also leaves behind six adoring grandchildren: Tracie Babbitt (Jared), Kristy Lawson (Danny), Austin Naylor (Helen), Madisen Kimball (Nick), Rylee Kimball, and Brooklyn Kimball; and eight great-grandchildren: Evanie, Ethan, Essie, Emilia, Abel, Gunnar, Jack, and Deacon.

Barbara treasured her many lifelong friendships and even heard from many of her former patients throughout the years. She truly lived by the profound words, "To have friends, you have to BE A FRIEND" and "to be loved, you have to LOVE YOURSELF!"

Barbara will be remembered for her gentle nature, her unwavering devotion to others, and her ability to bring comfort with a quiet word, a warm smile or a hymn softly played. Her life was a testament to compassion in action, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.

Funeral Services

Viewings will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial (3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106) on Thursday, June 26th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An additional viewing will take place on Friday, June 27th, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (8575 South 700 East, Sandy, UT 84070) from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Funeral services will follow at the church at 12:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Barbara’s memory by supporting Shriners Hospital for Children, Salt Lake City Division or by extending a simple act of kindness to someone in need.