Barbara Patrick Thurston

She was born on April 19, 1944, in Payson, Utah to William Wallace Patrick, Sr. and Viola Evans. Barbara and her older brother, Wally, spent their childhood in the home of John and Lura Patrick, their grandparents, in Springville, Utah, surrounded by loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

They then spent their adolescence in southern California, where Barbara graduated from South High in Torrance. She cherished her young half-siblings, Leslie, Sharon, Gary, and Annette Patrick. Barbara then returned to Utah and earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at BYU.

In 1968, while living in Provo, she met and fell in love with R. Jan Thurston, and they married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 10, 1968. They were blessed with four children: twin sons, Patrick and Todd, and daughters Amy and Lisa. Barbara treasured her time at home with her children, considering her role as mother (and later grandmother) her greatest joy. Her family was blessed to share “Mrs. T” with the hundreds of children she touched in her 34-year-long career as an elementary school teacher. While teaching, she earned a Masters degree in Education from Utah State University, and received several teaching awards.

In her retirement years, she found joy in serving in the Salt Lake Temple and as a hostess at the Church Office Building. She was infamous for her love of Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, John Denver, popcorn, “star parties” with her grandkids, attending parades, and her flower garden. Barbara was kind, generous, grateful, wise, silly, spunky, and devoted to her family—the best mom, grandma, friend, and teacher you could ask for.

Barbara is survived by her children, Patrick (Erica) Thurston, Amy (Kyley) Jex, and Lisa (Sam) Brown; and fourteen grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jan, and infant son, Todd.

Barbara’s family would like to express their deep gratitude for the friendship and caring support they have received from extended family, friends, and the East Millcreek community. They also want to thank the many caregivers and staff at Sagewood at Daybreak and Canyon HomeCare and Hospice who cared for Barbara with exceptional compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Perpetual Education Fund or the Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Friends may call on Thursday, April 3, from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, or on Friday, April 4, from 10:00-10:45 at the East Mill Creek 15th Ward, 3750 S. Hillside Lane, Salt Lake City. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am on Friday at the ward building. Viewers may also participate virtually.

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