Traci Gibson Barnett

Traci Barnett, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away on September 27, 2021.

Born on December 12, 1964 to Rod and Ramona Gibson, Traci grew up in Bountiful, Utah alongside her older brother Brad. Their close friendship and sibling bond was a source of comfort and strength both in childhood and throughout their lives.

Deeply self-motivated, Traci graduated with high honors from Viewmont High in 1983 where she had fond memories of participating in drill team, Girls State, National Honor Society and debate, as well as serving as Vice President of the Seminary Council. In 1988, Traci graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brigham Young University with a dual degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.

After graduation, Traci taught kindergarten for three years in Arcadia, California and Sandy, Utah. She had a gift for teaching, and her students loved and admired her. Nearly 30 years after being in her kindergarten class, several students expressed appreciation for how much she had impacted their lives.

On June 24, 1987, Traci married Greg Barnett in the Salt Lake Temple, and they cherished the past 34 years together. A dedicated wife and partner, Traci brought her love of life to their marriage. She particularly relished catching Greg with a clever April Fools’ Day joke.

There was nothing Traci loved more than spending time with Greg and their children. From helping her son successfully slog through a never-ending federal government job application to bringing the competitive edge to every card game, Traci made her love for her children undeniably evident. Her heartfelt one-on-one chats with her oldest daughter were so precious to both of them that they earned their own name – bench talks. When her youngest daughter needed care and support, Traci would drive daily to drop off notes and gifts of love, good humor and encouragement. No matter what, Traci was always there for her children. Her love and influence will never leave them.

While cancer took her life, Traci was unwavering in what cancer could not take: her love, hope, faith and peace. She wrote, “It cannot invade the Soul; It cannot steal Eternal Life; It cannot conquer the Spirit.” Traci faced the challenges in her life with courage and conviction. Reflecting on her first battle with cancer, she wrote, “Fortunately, my life has not been the same since being diagnosed with cancer. The question of life or death in the physical sense no longer became my focus. I was fixated instead on something of divine and individual worth, something of great value in the eyes of the Lord… my soul.”

Motivated by an abiding faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and Redeemer, Traci shared her testimony in word and practice. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Traci served diligently in many callings, including leadership positions in Primary, Young Women and Relief Society. And her commitment to everyday acts of faith never faltered. Over the past sixteen years, Traci battled breast cancer three times. Even while in remission, the long-term impacts of her treatment, as well as Graves’ disease, provided Traci significant physical challenges. In spite of this, she found great purpose and joy in serving others. A genuine friend, Traci made a difference in the lives of so many.

She is survived by her loving husband, Greg Barnett, their three children: Nicole (Carter) Monson, Jace, Bailey; and her brother Brad Gibson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at the Alpine Stake Center, 98 E Canyon Crest Road, Alpine, Utah. Friends and family may call on Tuesday, October 5 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Alpine Stake Center and Wednesday morning 9:30-10:30 AM at the Alpine Stake Center prior to services. Interment – Lakeview Memorial Estates Cemetery. Condolences can be left in the ‘Guestbook’ tab of this obituary page.