Events
On Friday, January 3, 2025, Barbara Folsom Mecham passed away at the age of 96. She was surrounded by many family members at her passing. Barbara was the daughter of Elry Leonard Folsom and Maurine Bennion Folsom. She was born in Sewell, Chile, on December 10, 1928, during a period when her father was working as a mining engineer for Braden Copper Company. Barbara spent her early years in the mining town, before going to boarding school at Santiago College for high school. After 15 years in Chile, Barbara and her family returned to their roots in Salt Lake City, Utah. She attended and graduated from East High School and moved on to the University of Utah, where she received a degree in Spanish secondary education. During this period, she met and started dating Leonidas Ralph Mecham. After sitting together on a piano bench at a church fireside, they became inseparable. When Ralph left to serve a church mission in Great Britain, Barbara and her friends started the H triple M club (how many more months!). Soon after Ralph’s return, they were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 10, 1950, by then-Elder Spencer W. Kimball. Barbara and Ralph began married life in Salt Lake City, while Ralph completed his studies at the University of Utah, and Barbara taught junior high school Spanish. In 1952 they moved to the Washington, DC, area for Ralph’s work, and Barbara began a decades-long love for the area and its people. They lived in East Riverdale, Greenbelt, Bethesda and, for the last 55 years, Potomac, Maryland. Because of physical challenges, Barbara moved to Holladay, Utah, two months prior to her passing, to be closer to family.
A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barbara had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and served faithfully in many callings and organizations including Relief Society, Young Women and the Primary. In her mid-80’s she inspired many Primary children to learn the Articles of Faith with her promise to make them a giant cookie. She served as a temple worker in the Washington, DC Temple for almost 40 years and was blessed to attend the rededication of that Temple in 2022. She loved to study the scriptures and found numerous podcasts to support her gospel learning efforts. Her last calling was to invite the Potomac Ward members to give sacrament meeting prayers. She loved this calling and used it as an opportunity to get acquainted with ward members through lengthy telephone conversations—no texts for her!
Barbara loved to learn new things. Whether it was trying a new recipe or spending hours in her garden, she was never bored or afraid of challenges. She enjoyed reading and shared titles of new books she had read. Her interests led to joining numerous clubs and organizations where she thrived. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Times Club, as well as a local gardening club. She always had a sewing or knitting project going. She loved to explore new places, near and far. She and Ralph shared many trips to places around the country and the world, but some of her happiest times were spent exploring rural Pennsylvania and Maryland with friends, looking for antiques and quilts. Her home reflected that interest and enhanced the life of her family. Barbara and Ralph’s home became a gathering place for family and friends. Barbara loved to entertain, and her home was always open to everyone. She was also committed to her community. For over 30 years Barbara delivered Meals on Wheels every Friday.
Barbara was preceded in death by the love of her life, Leonidas Ralph Mecham, with whom we believe she has now been reunited. She is survived by her five children—Mark Leonidas (Pat Tomlinson), Meredith (Brad Smith), Richard Owen (Janine Hansen), Stephen Folsom (Angela Welch), and Alison (Eric Bench); 17 grandchildren; and 38 great grandchildren, with another coming in June. She is also survived by her sister Jean Folsom Hinckley (Mike Hinckley). Her brother Robert Elry Folsom (Nancy Pearson) passed in 2002. Family is a huge part of Barbara’s legacy. Each family member has special memories of spending time with her. She and Ralph traveled all over the country to attend graduations, baptisms, blessings, and many important events their family members were involved in. She and Ralph wanted their children and grandchildren to know one another, and many family reunions were organized to form bonds that will last for years to come.
Unlike many in her generation, Barbara embraced new technology. When Ralph asked what she wanted for Christmas a few years ago, she insisted she needed a new laptop computer. She was one of the first members of her ward to begin “zooming” into church meetings during the 2020 Covid pandemic. She used her cell phone to stay in touch with her many family members and friends and would answer the phone on her watch when the cell phone was out of reach. She learned the miracle of online banking, and many were the beneficiaries of her Venmo skills. She even put the Lyft app on her phone to help her get places when she gave up driving, not wanting to be a burden to friends—friends who never saw her as a burden! Many of us received frantic calls from Barbara about typed material that had somehow “disappeared” from her devices.
Leaving her home in Potomac last fall was difficult. Her friends there had become like family, but like everything she did, Barbara was determined to thrive in her new environment. She reconnected with so many family members and friends in Utah, including spending time with her sister, Jean, teaching each other new skills. She attended the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert in December and delighted in the music. She especially enjoyed the holidays with local family.
Thanks to the staff at The Ridge Cottonwood (Senior Living) for their friendship and care. Also, thanks to her caregivers from Adventist Home Assistance in Maryland, who were so kind and capable.
Funeral services are planned for Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11 am at the Salt Lake Emigration Stake Center, 589 East 18th Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84103. There will be a visitation for family and friends at the same location on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Barbara will be buried at the Salt Lake City Cemetery next to her beloved Ralph. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services.
Guestbook/Condolences
I wish I could attend the funeral in person and add my presence as one of Barbara's biggest fans. I have learned so much from her through our treasured friendship. I told her many times that my biggest goal in life was to be like Barbara - with her optimistic enthusiasm, love of people and generous service. I will forever be grateful for our last "in person" visit in November - in Utah - where she once again was totally interested in my life and remembered details about my children. I thought I was there to "cheer her up." What an incredible woman with a legacy of a true disciple of Jesus Christ!
My deepest feelings of condolence and comfort for the family and loved ones. Thoughts of Barbara and her.creativity and cheer and sweetness are among my dearest memories of the time we were members of the Potomac Ward. I loved our excursions to Pennsylvania (outlets and antique stores). She could set a charming dinner party table with her antique store finds (plates, water goblets and flatware) not matching but pleasantly harmonious. Once she told us "If Ralph questions my antique and outlet trips I tell him they are cheaper than a psychiatrist." She was, and is, so good so sweet so funny.
My deepest condolences to Barbara's family. May her love and legacy continue to inspire and guide all of us.
RIP dear friend, you'll be always with us.
Love, Vesna
Barbara Mecham was one of the loveliest women I have known. She always had that wonderful smile and always happy to see you and greet you. She will be missed.
When I became a member of Times Club, Barbara was one of the first of many wonderful women to make we feel welcome. She always seemed happy to see me and she always made me feel accepted and loved. She already has been missed but her happy and welcoming personality will live on. I express my sincere condolences and love to her family. You were blessed to have her in your lives for so many years. Her wonderful legacy will live on.
My first memory of Barbara was stopping at the unfinished Potomac Ward House and seeing Barbara and Ellie Colton busy staining the benches in the Potomac Chapel. I soon came to know Barbara was always willing to help, was loads of fun, was a wonderful cook and hostess, friend to everyone, loved antiquing in PA, and that she and Ralph were a tremendous team with a terrific family. I can still hear her invitations to dinner saying, "I can't guarantee things, as I'm trying out a new recipe." Of course, her meals were always delicious! Barbara never stopped learning. I was amazed how she stayed up-to-date with various computer programs. Barbara was resilient, an example to us all, a loving mother and wife, faithful to the teaching of Christ, and endured will to the end.. Bravo, Barbara! We will all miss you. .
Barbara named herself as my fairy god-mother; she was absolutely correct. She helped me through all the tough & challenging times when I was sick and when my mother was passing in Auckland, New Zealand. She called or text me everyday and if I did not response she would call as late as 10pm. I learnt not to complaint but have faith and have a positive attitude. All the sweet memories of taking her to concerts and dinners will last forever.
The last luncheon was at her house without knowing Angela and Steve were here and we were planning to bring her home-make dumpling and noodle for lunch. I did promise to visit her in Utah - never imagine that was the last time I will see her here but I am comforting to know she is with Ralph and super happy. Love you Barbara.
Hi Ms Allison, am very very sorry for your lost.lt has saddened my heart that l couldn't call to talk to her before she passed. The whole family should accept our deepest sympathy. Your family became part of my family the day l started working with you.
I always remembered her in my daily prayers and was hoping to visit as we planned which hasn't happened.
May the Almighty God console you all and may her Gentle Soul Soul Rest In Perfect Peace. Amen.
so sorry, my dear cousin we had such good times together she lasted as long as I did, but I’m still here so sorry she isn’t my condolences to you
The Colton’s and Mecham’s were great friends for years. We first met them when we visited Sterling and Ellie Colton for Thanksgiving, and Mecham’s were also there - that was before we even moved to Maryland. Ralph was our bishop and Barbara was our daughter Nancy’s Primary teacher before we moved from there to Austria. We remember fondly their visit to us there. Phil was their Home Teacher for a number of years, and would make a visit whenever Barbara needed a helping hand. After moving away again, we would manage a visit to them each time we returned to Maryland. We were delighted when Barbara moved close to us, and we were able to visit with her here. We also brought our handbell choir to her care facility to put on a Christmas program, never expecting that it would be the last time we would see her in this life. There are many of us who will miss her here, and look forward to a reunion in the hereafter. Rest in peace, Barbara.
Dear Mecham,
What an incredible disciple of Jesus Christ. There were many scores of members of the Chevy Chase Ward who were very sad when the Mecham's moved into the Potomac Ward, our family was one of them. However, Barbara & Ralph continued to bless our family - our extended family through their love and kindness and service to my aunt and uncle, Aleen & Howard Slaton. Aleen is my father's sister and when Uncle Howard retired from a career in the Air Force they moved to Potomac. Although growing up in Beaver, Utah, Aleen was raised in the Church, she became less active when she left home after high school. She met Howard when he was stationed in Utah just prior to WWII, and they married. Later in their life Aleen became interested in attending the Potomac Ward, thanks to Barbara and several other wonderful members. For the last decade or so of their lives Aleen & Howard became regulars at the Potomac Ward. Barbara played an essential role in the Slaton's lives and we are so grateful to her and Ralph. What a magnificent life and legacy. Our family will be forever grateful for the Mecham's.
Dear Mecham Family,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Miss Barbara, but I also feel incredibly blessed to have known her. She was a true light in this world—her warmth, wisdom, and kindness touched my heart in ways I will always carry with me. During my time working with her after her rehab stay, she was not just a client, but a teacher and a friend. She shared with me stories of her life, her faith, and her perspective on the world, each lesson leaving an imprint on my heart.
Miss Barbara raised remarkable children who continue to reflect the love and kindness she instilled in them. Her legacy lives on in the compassion you show to others, the strength you carry, and the love that binds your family together. I will always be grateful for the time I spent with her, for the joy she brought into my life, and for the lessons she so graciously shared.
May she rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love of heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
With deepest sympathy and gratitude,
Fatime Gombo