Bette Jean Frahm Barton was born February 1, 1929 in Salt Lake City, Utah to William McKinley Frahm and Stella Petersen Frahm. After a brief stay in Idaho, her family moved back to their family farm in Granger, Utah. She was educated in Granite District Schools and graduted early from Granite High School at age 17. Bette entered the University of Utah and graduated in three years, with a major in Education and a minor in English. Like many of her contemporaries, she felt there were three accepted options for women; secretary, nurse, or teacher. Like her mother, she chose teaching and focused on home economics ‚ including all homemaking skills, early childhood development, health, and of course, cooking. This choice served her well, though she often wondered what other options she might have pursued.
She met Robert Gene Barton, a former Navy man and University of Utah wrestler. They enjoyed dancing to big band music, and shared their first kiss on the bridge at the Spruces campground while attending an Alpha Xi Delta sorority event. They married at the Garden Park Ward, June 5, 1950 and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 31, 1968; a happy, successful marriage of 65 years. Bob and Bette are the very proud parents of four children, loving grandparents of seven boys and two girls, and great grandparents to two girls and two boys. Bette was the glue for the family and taught them the value of education, service, hard work, home and family, and of course, a love for cooking. Always loyal to U of U athletics, Bob and Bette have had season tickets for football and basketball games for 40 years.
Bette was committed to community and service and was an active member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) for 41 years. She served in many capacities including Recording Secretary, 1st Vice President and President of the International Society, DUP. In her role as President, she helped the organization run fiscally sound and led many preservation/restoration projects including the extensive remodel of the DUP Museum in Salt Lake City. DUP was her passion, but she willingly resigned after two terms as President at age 82, to care for Bob, so that he could spend his remaining days at home. Bette also served as Relief Society President in Wasatch Ward, where she was especially proud of a two year stretch where she led the Relief Society in easing the burden for ~25 families' funerals.
Bette is survived by her children Richard G. Barton, (Marie), Julie Rasmussen (Arthur, deceased), Tina Aramaki (Craig), Robert Michael Barton (Holly), Janet Douglas Barton (daughter in-law), nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Robert F. Frahm. Bette's love for animals is well known. She leaves her calico cat Tiger Lily, who gently stepped into the shoes of her loyal companion Pete, a Goldendoodle, who followed Bob in death, in October 2015. Special thanks to CNS Hospice and to Julie Barton Rasmussen whose faithful service enabled our family to care for Bette in her own home until a beautiful Mother's Day morning, when the mourning doves serenaded her passing and the heavens wept a gentle rain. Memorial services will be held honoring Bette's life Saturday, May 21st, 1:00 pm at Edgehill Ward, 1750 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City. Prior to the service, visitation time with friends and family will begin at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a scholarship donation to the Crimson Club Athletic Fund in remembrance of Bette F. Barton. See http://www.crimsonclub.utah.edu or mail to 1825 East South Campus Drive SLC, UT 84112. Condolences may be made at www.LarkinMortuary.com
