Barbara Roberts

Barbara Ann Bateman Roberts, our beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and neighbor peacefully left her earthly home and returned with honor to her new heavenly home on March 16, 2024. Barbara was born August 9, 1947, to her loving parents, Vernon and Fern Bills Bateman and was born and raised in Sandy, Utah. She was the fifth of eight children who looked up to her righteous example.

She worked very hard with the mink her father farmed, along with helping him with his big pumpkin patch, and she enjoyed helping with her mother's amazing floral shop. She attended Jordan High School for two years and then graduated her senior year from Hillcrest High. She attended one year at Snow College where she was the Queen of the Lambda Delta Sigma.

She had two sons, James and Scott, from a previous marriage. She later met her true love, Howard Alden Roberts at a church dance where it was love at first sight! They were married civilly on August 17, 1974. They were later sealed for time and all eternity on January 24, 1976, which was a crowning moment for both of them. His two daughters, D'ana and Staci, along with her sons became a beautiful, blended family who later included Mark, Jill, and Melissa who were born to them. She loved and cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was very proud of them and their achievements.

She was devoted to her faith as a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was dedicated to every calling extended to her as she faithfully and happily served the Lord. She and Howard were richly blessed as they lovingly served two memorable missions; first, to the Palmyra Temple Mission, and later to the Florida Tampa Mission. Their missions blessed them with sacred, special experiences and opportunities where they touched the lives of those whom they served and made special friendships and connections that they kept up until this past year. They savored those precious days strolling through the Sacred Grove, serving in the Palmyra Temple, and visiting other hallowed, historic church sites there. They loved going to the temple and both served in the Jordan River Temple for a time.

Barbara was known and loved by all who received her numberless and genuine acts of Christ-like love and service. She selflessly gave all that she could as she put her children and others needs before her own. She was an amazing caregiver especially to her son, Mark, and remained by his side as he battled cancer for six long years.

She was an excellent gardener along with her husband who produced delicious foods to bottle, freeze, dehydrate, and enjoy. Her famous raspberry patch provided delicious raspberry pies and countless jars of jam that she would lovingly share with her family and neighbors. She had a passion for planting beautiful, fragrant flowers, plants, bushes, and trees in her yards. She kept an immaculate front and backyard where she longed for her family to gather and enjoy one another. Her family was her most prized possession that she treasured more than any other earthly thing. Her grandchildren brought her endless joy, and she loved spoiling them every chance she could. They loved her and looked forward to visiting her and grandpa.

Howard and Barbara were hardly ever separated and never could their eternal love for one another ever be denied. Theirs is a love story written in books that many dream of, but few will know. Hers was not a life free of pain, sorrow, or trials. Yet she faithfully endured the seemingly constant tribulations that she was called to go through. She has set an example for her growing posterity to look to and follow as they go through their own mortal experiences. We are blessed and very grateful to have known her and to call her sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend.

Survived by siblings: Reed (Charlotte) Bateman and Marlene (Kelly) Sullivan. Children: D'ana Baptiste, James Roberts, Staci (Tim) Huston, Scott (Debbie) Roberts, Jillyn (Jed) Egbert, Melissa (Chad) Nichols; and 26 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Howard Alden Roberts, and her son, Mark Howard Roberts. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the Bennion Heights 6th Ward, 5775 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah. Viewings will be held Wednesday, March 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the McDougal Funeral Home located at 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah, and again on March 28, 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the Bennion Heights 6th Ward, prior to the funeral service. Interment: West Jordan City Cemetery, 7925 South 1300 West, West Jordan, Utah.