Barbara Ann Yates

Barb was born March 5, 1957, in Salt Lake City to Thomas Howard Yates and Connie Lee Johnson Yates. The third of six children, she grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from Olympus High School. She later attended Dixie College (now Utah Tech University). Barb worked as a cashier for most of her life and spent many years serving customers and making friends at Macey’s Grocery Store.

Barb’s greatest joy in life was her cherished son, Charlie (Officer Charles Benjamin Skinner). Being a mother was her proudest accomplishment, and she and Charlie shared an especially close bond. After Charlie welcomed his twins, Emma and Zack, he tragically passed away in the line of duty. We find comfort knowing that Barb has now been joyously reunited with him.

Barbara was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and lived her life in a way that reflected her faith.

Barb loved spending time in the mountains, celebrating holidays, being with family, playing games, reading, listening to music, picnicking, traveling, and watching YouTube videos. She had a special fondness for frogs, giraffes, and lighthouses.

She was known for her problem-solving skills and her remarkable ability to find answers quickly, an ability that amazed many of those around her. Barb was also exceptionally organized. A fun and cherished fact: she collected calendars. Every day she wrote down something meaningful that happened. Over the years, these calendars became treasured records and often helped family and friends remember important moments.

Barbara is survived by her dear mother, Connie; her grandchildren, Emma and Zack; her siblings: Thomas (Cindy), Michael (Colette), Joyce (Mark), Shauna, and Jeffrey (Grace); as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her son, Officer Charles Benjamin Skinner; her father, Thomas Howard Yates; her grandparents; Aunt Patsy Harris; Uncle Clair Harris; and Cousin Cory Harris.

Funeral services will be held on Monday December 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City, Utah (3401 S Highland Dr). A Visitation will be held at the same location from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary for their care during this difficult time.

A special thanks to Scott Hickman, whose incredible help and kindness blessed Barb’s life over the past year and in the days leading up to her passing.