Mary Backman Baucom, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, of issues incident to age surrounded by her loving husband and family.
Mary was born March 29, 1930 in Salt Lake City as the 2nd of 3 children to Frank and Audrey Mitchel Backman. She attended West High School followed by Nursing School at St. Mary's in Salt Lake City. After graduating she married her high school sweetheart, Sid Baucom, on March 5, 1954. Together they raised 3 sons and were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake City Temple on their wedding anniversary in 1974.
Sid was the love of her life. They enjoyed pursuing their many joint interests and supported each other in pursuit of their various individual endeavors. Together, they particularly enjoyed raising, training, and riding Tennessee Walking Horses. Mary was an outstanding show and pleasure rider. Her elegance on a horse was without equal, and she won many national awards showing in Tennessee, Washington, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. She did most of her pleasure riding at the Yellowstone Ranch, where she enjoyed long outings with family and friends. She also loved the family cabin, where she enjoyed watching her grandchildren ride, entertaining friends, and holding large family dinners.
Mary lived a life of service. She was often found preparing and delivering meals to those in need while teaching the values of service to her children and grandchildren. She also spent many hours teaching family members to embrace her love for music and learning. An accomplished pianist, she would often play for church or school programs. She seldom missed a child's sporting event, church activity, choir performance, road show or play (including many practices and rehearsals). Though her attention was often focused on children, Mary was also active with Lady Lions, Authors Club, a wonderful group of adult lady horseback riders, the LDS church where she served as Relief Society president, the Utah State Bar Auxiliary, and she served on the Board of the National Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' Association.
Mary will be deeply missed and is survived by her adoring husband of 60 years, Sidney G. Baucom, and her 3 sons Sidney F. Baucom (Teri Lyn), George E. Baucom, and John E. Baucom (Bonnie), 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and sister Jean Blanchard.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Dale Backman, and granddaughter, Morgan Baucom.
A viewing will take place on Sunday, July 13th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 So. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, July 14th at the Foothill 6th Ward Chapel, 2215 E. Roosevelt Ave. where there will be a viewing prior to the service from 9:45am ‚ 10:45am. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the professional and caring staffs of Aspen Ridge East, Silverado, and The Residence care centers for their compassionate service.
