Verleen DeLaMare Barker

Our sweet mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother slipped peacefully from her home on earth March 6, 2017. She entered her earthly estate on January 15, 1923. She was the 7th of 10 children born to Mae Keturah Read and Wilford McKendrick DeLaMare in Pocatello, Idaho.
She eloped and married Ralph Byrne Barker July 24, 1942 in Reno, Nevada. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They had two children, Sandra Kay Smith (Terry, deceased) and Gary (Darlene, deceased).
She leaves behinds her two children; 6 grandchildren: Daniel (Penni), Timothy (Jolyn), Ann-Rachelle Rosier (Stephen), Patricia Larsen (Jeffrey), Shannon Smith (John), and Heather Matthews (Benjamin); 24 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
Mom pursued her passion of nursing and worked for 17 years at LDS hospital and became the go-to person in the neighborhood for scratches, bumps and bruises.
She was a beautiful example of Christ-like love and compassion as she labored with her sweet companion, Ralph, in the Columbus, Ohio Mission and the Ogden Temple. She served as Relief Society President, teacher and Cub Scout Leader.
She was the fun grandma that made mom and dad look dull, boring and strict disciplinarians in comparison. When grandchildren were in her home “no rules” applied and unconditional love was given. She loved to teach them Chicken Foot and Canasta, and the games went well into the night. She taught each child her favorite OLD songs, “You Are My Sunshine” and “Poor Babes in the Woods”, even though her daughter pleaded with her not to. She loved sleep-overs and taking sweet innocent children to Alpha Beta in the middle of the night to feed their chocolate hunger, afterwards driving down Main Street waving and shouting at those who would venture out after 2:00 a.m. One night she startled a poor unsuspecting bicyclist by yelling, “get a horse!”
Her wisdom, quick wit and infectious laughter will be fondly remembered and missed by many. Her home was a haven for grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
We have no doubt there was a joyous reunion on March 6th when she was reunited with her husband, parents, mother and father-in-law, siblings Lavonia, Beatrice, Martell, Rachel, John Wanda, Helen Bonnie and Barbara, brothers-in-law, son and daughter-in-law, and two great-grandsons.
We rejoice in her goodness and love of her Savior Jesus Christ. “Well done thou good and faithful servant . . . .”
We appreciated the kindness of Dr. June Steely, the people at Hospice and the many friends and neighbors who made her final days so comfortable.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Rick’s Creek Chapel, 1475 North 50 East, Centerville. A viewing will be held Friday evening from
6:00-7:30 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, and Saturday morning 11:45 am -12:45 pm at the church prior to services. Interment-Centerville City Cemetery.