Mary Ellen Long Barss

Mary Ellen Long Barss, age 68, passed away quietly in her sleep Sunday evening 15 Jan 2023 at her home in North Salt Lake, Utah.  She was born 31 Dec 1954 in Istanbul, Turkey where her father was stationed as a member of the United States Navy.  She was the oldest child of Jay Linnoy Long and Betsy Maxine Bailey Wyatt. Their family lived in California until Jay’s discharge from the Navy, after which they moved to Bountiful, Utah where she and her three siblings were raised.  Mary Ellen graduated from Viewmont High School and attended Utah State University where she met and fell in love with her husband David Scofield Barss.  They were married 8 Aug 1975 in the Salt Lake Temple and are the proud parents of four wonderful children, Nathan, Nelson, Andrea, and Kristina.

Mary Ellen was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She served as the pianist in the primary for over 20 years in the various wards the family attended.  She also served as the activities chairperson and the secretary in the ward Relief Society presidency.  Mary Ellen was our anchor at home supporting David in his callings, especially the monthly scout camps and weeklong summer camps and in teaching the children about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As many family members have expressed their condolences, they have commented on Mary Ellen’s sweet and welcoming spirit. Some talked about finding comfort in her presence at family gatherings, others talked about how she always made them feel so welcomed. She was always kind and caring, she had a gift to sense what others felt and could help them find the solace they needed.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband David Scofield Barss, and her four children Nathan David (Caralee) Barss, Nelson Scofield (Pollyanna) Barss, Andrea (Nathan) High, and Kristina Barss.  She leaves behind 12 beautiful grandchildren and was anticipating the arrival of her first great grandchild later this spring.  She is also survived by her brother Richard (Carolyn) Long and her sisters Patty Foster and Lisa (Rob) Vandegrift.  She was preceded in death by both of her parents. 

Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. on Friday, 20 Jan 2023, at the Foxboro 7^th Ward, 954 West 1100 North, North Salt Lake, Utah. An evening viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00p.m. Thursday, 19 Jan 2023 at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. Another viewing will be held Friday from 9:30 to 10:45a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the services and will be posted below.