Barbara Ellen Munson

Barbara Ellen Munson

Escalante, Utah

Barbara Ellen Munson died peacefully from a brain tumor on July 23, 2019 in her niece’s home. Since the diagnosis in January, Barbara determined to be happy about her situation. She was an inspiration to all who came to visit including family and friends who traveled from all over the United States and Canada to reminisce and share their love. Barbara was preceded in death by three infant siblings: Lorraine, Ronald Lynn and Marianne Munson.

She is survived by her brother, Daryl and wife Phyllis Munson from Claremont, CA; her sister, Maureen and husband Dee Nelson of Woods Cross, Utah; her brother, Stanford and wife Lori Munson of Trenton, Utah; her brother, Reed and wife Karen of Escalante, Utah; her brother, Milan and wife Brenda Munson of Blanding, Utah.

The sixth child and third daughter of LoRell and Nelda Twitchell Munson, Barbara was born on October 10, 1958 in Panguitch, Utah. She was raised in Escalante until she attended Utah State University in Logan. After a year of college, she served in the Birmingham and Coventry missions. This service deepened her testimony of the Savior and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her love of the gospel and its principles guided her life and she bore testimony of them frequently to friends and family, especially her 30 nieces and nephews who were the light of her life. Through her life she served in several callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the Primary, Young Women and Relief Society presidencies.

Following her mission, Barbara became a certified cosmetologist and served the Escalante and Tropic communities making many dear friends whom she stayed close to for years afterwards. Barbara earned an Associates degree in Business and was later employed in Orem as the personal assistant to several land developers. In that employment she traveled extensively throughout the United States and traveled with friends to England several times and throughout Europe.

After her father’s death in 1992, Barbara cared for her mother in Barbara’s Orem home for 15 years until Nelda’s death in 2013. Barbara moved back to Escalante in 2015, working remotely for property developers and caring for the Peterson children. Barbara will be remembered as a favorite aunt who generously shared her time and resources. She was an avid reader, puzzler and crafter who took great care to do everything with precision. She enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest until her health kept her home bound.

Barbara helped compile six biographies of family members including her parents, four aunts and uncles. Since January she has scanned and uploaded thousands of photos and additional histories of ancestors to Family Search making them available to everyone. Her greatest desire has been to return to her Heavenly Father and family in heaven that she might renew those relationships and again be of service in the kingdom of God.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Escalante 2nd LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call at the ward chapel in Escalante on Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Escalante Cemetery. Funeral Directors, Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. On line guest book www.maglebymortuary.com