Peggy Boss Barney

Peggy Ann Boss Barney died peacefully October 3, 2024, at Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful after a long illness. Peg — affectionally known as The Boss — spent her career in journalism as a copy editor, reporter and ace headline writer. To wit: Final Edition for the Best Boss Ever.

Peggy was born December 29, 1957, in Ogden, Utah, to John Varon Boss and Genevieve Hazel Bair. She had two older sisters, Shirley and Judy. Peggy’s love of words and learning made her a standout debater and journalist at Ben Lomond High School and at Utah State University where she worked hard to put herself through school. She made her mark at the Utah Statesman as a writer and copy editor, interning at the Salt Lake Tribune where the old duffers did their best to intimidate the young redhead from Ogden. Peggy won them over in no time since she never put up with crap from anyone.

After graduating in 1980 with a degree in communications, Peggy worked for the Post Register in Idaho Falls where she met her future husband, David Barney. They were married on October 17, 1981, and decided to move east. Peggy worked for newspapers in Maine as a reporter, photographer and copy editor. She created and coached the first debate team at a local high school, taking state honors that year. The New York Times offered Peggy a job, but she and David decided they wanted to raise a family in Utah.

She and David settled in Farmington in 1986 and raised their children, John Robert and Genevieve, in a pioneer home. Peggy loved that historic connection and felt right at home in Farmington where she was a friend to all.

Peggy worked for the Standard-Examiner in Ogden from 1984 to 1995 where she was a jack of all trades. No matter what needed to be done, Peggy pitched in with stories, layout, design, editorials, copy editing and headlines. She was a master wordsmith who relished a good pun and snappy headline. During her time at the Standard she was an adjunct faculty member at Weber State University, teaching public speaking, reporting and editorial writing.

In 1995 she was hired by the Salt Lake Tribune where she was beloved for her talent, kindness, quick wit, generosity and sense of humor. Peggy was proud of her contributions and loved the camaraderie of the newsroom, especially when a big story was brewing.

Most of all, Peggy loved her family and especially her grandson, Jess. He was the light of her life, and she relished being his Nana. When she couldn’t find a Girl Scout troop for Genna, Peggy created one in Farmington, giving the girls priceless experiences, indoors and outdoors, and a chance to shine with her as their biggest cheerleader.

Peggy had a huge heart and a soft spot for the underdog. She lifted people up just by being herself. Despite the many challenges in her life, Peggy always saw the good in others and made the world a better place. She was smart, clever, compassionate and grateful for her good fortune.

Peggy is survived by her husband, David; son, John Robert Barney; daughter, Genevieve Boss; grandson, Jess de la Peña; all of Farmington; sisters, Shirley K. Boss Morrison of Syracuse, Utah; Judy Lynn Boss (Gerald) Kinder of Hacienda Heights, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be Thursday, October 10, at 11 a.m. at the Farmington City Cemetery, 500 S 200 E, Farmington, Utah, in section F of the cemetery (a map can be found below). A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held at a later date.

The Graveside service will be streamed live on our Facebook page, Russon Mortuary Live, and on this obituary page below, where it will appear 10-15 minutes prior to the service at 11 a.m.