Barbara Ann Medina

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Barbara Ann Medina, passed away at home on December 23rd, 2020 after a courageous fight with dementia/alzheimer’s. She is survived by her husband Gilbert Medina, sons Gil M. Medina, David P. Medina, Richard Daniel Medina and Mark A. Medina and many other members of extended family which include nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Barbara was born in Lava Hot Springs Idaho as the daughter of Francis "Red" Mcguin and Mildred Neal Campbell in the summer of 1936 on the 30th day of July. She graduated from Marsh Valley High School and shortly after met the love of her life Gilbert Medina at the tender age of 18 years. Her husband Gilbert, who is an accomplished singer and musician, sang to her during their courting period and from then on, their future was set. She was proud to tell anyone that in her eyes, there was no one that could sing as beautifully as her husband. Barbara and Gilbert would often sing as a duet during family and social gatherings, with her favorite music being traditional Mexican folk songs. Her husband would often say that Barbara was a true Latina at heart. Gilbert and Barbara were married in Carson City Nevada at a private ceremony in the year of 1956 and eventually settled in Salt Lake City to establish their home and start their family of four boys.

As the matriarch of both her immediate and extended family, Barbara was a woman of strong character and the purest of small-town morals and values. Many friends and members of her family would come to depend on her sound advice and unlimited support when the challenges of life got difficult and she never disappointed.

In her younger years Barbara worked at Litton Industries in the guidance and control systems department helping to make stronger America's defenses. Once this employment was finished Barbara decided to exercise her creativity and strong work ethic as an accomplished seamstress where she was able to create beautiful works that ranged from custom auto and marine upholstery to finely detailed and specialized clothing and costumes. The creativity and quality workmanship of Barbara's work was unrivaled and once a piece was completed for someone looking for customized projects, they would go to no one else to have things created.

In her leisure time, Barbara could often be seen tending to her beautiful rose garden that displayed a variety of roses that neighbors would often stop to admire and at times, even ask for samples of.

As a young woman of strong will and endless optimism in her early 20's, Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer and told by her Doctors that she had maybe 5 years to get her affairs in order, but being the person she is, Barbara looked at her doctor and defiantly replied, "Well, we will just see about that." Barbara went on to become a strong (two-time survivor) of breast cancer as well as eventually going on to be able to witness her grandchildren and even great-grandchildren come into her world.

Barbara's greatest love was her family both immediate and extended, for instance, whenever there was someone in the family that was going through a medical crisis of some type you could rest assured that Barbara would literally be right at the family members side for as long as it took to see that person through the experience. Even at an age of more than 80 years, she would spend all night in an uncomfortable chair if necessary, so that her loved one would not feel alone during any part of the process. There was no distance too far, no effort too great, and no period of time too long to endure as far as Barbara was concerned when it came to caring for those she loved.

This old world is definitely a more beautiful and brighter place since God had seen fit to grace us with her presence for the short time that she was here with us.

She will be forever loved and deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known and love her.

Barbara, until we see you again, as you always have, please keep us close to your heart and know that you will forever be in ours.

A viewing will be held on Monday, January 4th, 2021, from 10 - 11:45AM at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 E 1300 So). Graveside services will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn cemetery.

Those wishing to watch the Zoom recording of the services may do so here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/hla3g5mW3Kp-yqDZaHkDNoMpxFfasYPz4O2VyuNOEem7G1LA6QR5NalL-vgMk77O.9thNCnFZ4VQuVKmE?startTime=1609785586000