September 30, 1934 ~ November 20, 2018
Barbara Jean Hartlerode, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on November 20, 2018 surrounded by her loved ones.
Barbara was born in Chicago on September 30, 1934 to Arthur Ashford and Susan Hybarger. Growing up in Indiana she spent countless hours reading books and playing on her uncle's farm. She loved taking care of her two younger brothers, Steve and Arthur, who she remained close with throughout her life. She moved to Utah when she was 17 years old and soon fell in love with the mountains and natural beauty of her new home. Over the next 8 years she would be blessed with seven children; her love for the outdoors, making people laugh, and music were passed down to all of them. She enjoyed playing the banjo and guitar, spending many hours making music with her children. She was an exceptional cook, loved to read, and when she was younger loved the thrill of roller coasters. When the youngest of her seven children was 12 years old, she was pleasantly surprised with twins!
As a single mother of nine kids, she put herself through nursing school to provide for her family and pursue a lifelong dream. The next thirty years she spent tirelessly caring for her patients at Wasatch Valley Nursing Home. She cared for her patients like her own family and they adored her. After retirement she was able to help raise some of her grandkids. She enjoyed spending quality time with her friends and family; including Friday fun days with her daughter Janet, dinner nights with her close friend Lorraine, and going to the movies with her kids and grandkids. Christmas time was a wonderland at her home, whereas she LOVED to decorate every inch of her house and Christmas Eve dinners will be cherished for a lifetime. In her alone time she enjoyed reading, watching I Love Lucy and listening to Barbara Streisand. However, nothing brought her more joy than seeing all of her family come together for a camping trip, fishing, and a good ole hootenanny. When her health started to fail to the point of needing 24hr care, she went to Highland Care Center. The staff adored her infectious smile and sense of humor. She brought joy to many of the residence and quickly became close friends with her roommate Elsie. Her strength and courage got her through some incredibly difficult times. She prioritized others needs above her own. Hearts are heavy for Barbara's loved ones while trying to picture a future without her in it, but it brings them peace to know she is having one heck of a hootenanny as she dances in paradise.
Barbara is survived by her children; Harriet (Steve) Prescott, Larry (Carol) Hartlerode, Don Hartlerode, Janet (Kurt) Lindeman, David (Marta) Hartlerode, Kathy Sudweeks, Jennifer (Drew) Christenson, Rebecca (Ordelle) Kemp; her brother, Steve (Cathy-the sister she always wished for) Ashford, Arthur (Jackie) Ashford; her twenty-nine grandchildren; her forty-three great-grandchildren; her eight great-great-grandchildren; her lifelong friends, Lorraine Engebritson, Glenace Coward, Gloria Childs; and her many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother and father; her daughter, Roberta Bleak; her granddaughter, Paula Sharp; and her great-grandchildren, Charlie and Max McLachlan, Lyndon Stubbs.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Carlos, Betty, Victor, Jessica, Sarah, Diane, Brenda, Gigi and Teresa for being so caring and loving in her last days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday 30th, 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (8600 South 700 East, Sandy, Utah)