Barbara Jean Salmon Pinder 97, of South Jordan, Utah graduated peacefully, with honors from mortality on January, 24, 2025 at her home. She was born January 19, 1928 in Coalville, Utah to Sumner Robert Salmon and Elma Gunn. She joined one sister, (Shirley Phillips) and was a big sister to one brother, (Robert Salmon) who preceded her in death.
She married Marvin J. (Jack) Durrant and they raised 5 children in Ogden, Utah. They were later divorced. In 1968 she married Theron Tom Pinder. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple. They lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. After their retirement they moved to Saint George, Utah. Following the death of her husband Theron, she moved to South Jordan, Utah.
After graduating from Utah State University in 1956, she began her teaching career. She taught 4th and 5th grades in both Ogden and Salt Lake City School Districts; she was a cherished and dedicated educator for nearly 40 years.
She loved music, played the clarinet in her high school band and played the piano with gusto. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, cooking, baking, golfing, and playing bridge. She loved camping with her family, fishing from a boat or on a frozen reservoir, traveling overseas, and later, traveling in the motor home.
She was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Barbara loved working with the youth programs. She and Theron served a mission at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City. They also served as Temple Workers in Saint George Temple. She also served in the South Jordan Oquirrh Mountain Temple.
Barbara is survived by her sons, Marvin S. (Jack) Durrant (Greg), of South Jordan, UT, Michael D. Durrant (Peggy) of Belleview, WA.; Robert S. Durrant (Suzanne) of Ogden, UT., James A. Durrant (Teri) of Idaho Falls, ID.; and daughter, Jeanne Owen (Greg) of Salt Lake City, UT.; 14 grandchildren, 40 great-grand children and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Sumner R. Salmon; Elma Gunn; siblings; Shirley Phillips; and Robert Salmon former husband Marvin J. (Jack) Durrant; husband Theron Tom Pinder and grandson, Robert Max Owen.
Funeral services will be held 12:00 P.M. Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the Garden Park 7th Ward, 4842 West Vermillion Drive, South Jordan, Utah with Bishop Ryan James McCoy officiating. The Family will visit with friends and family from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. prior to the funeral service. The burial will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. You may watch the service through Zoom by clicking the “Watch Service” button above.
The Family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Dr. J Moreland and the Aspen Ridge hospice nurse Laura and wonderful aides who provided professional loving care during her final days.
Guestbook/Condolences
In all my years of education, Mrs. Pinder was my favorite teacher. She made coming to school fun and learning easy. She truly cared for each and every one of her students. I am blessed to have had her, not only as my teacher but in my life.
This worlds loss is heavens gain.
My Aunt Barbara touched my life in so many ways. I am so grateful for her.
My love to you Jack, Mike. Bob. JIm and Jeanne my cousins. Thank you for sharing your mom with me and my family.
My husband, Roger, and I are Garden Park neighbors of Barbara. She is such a gem. We have loved knowing her and admire her friendly, outgoing personality. She makes everyone feel special and has a kind word for all. In addition, we both attended Indian Hills Elementary. We had moved on by the time she started teaching there but we enjoyed talking with her about people we all knew. She was friends with some of our former teachers. It was a fun connection. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family. Barbara is such a memorable and wonderful person, her passing is a big loss.
The memories that I have off Barbie I’ll cherish forever. Staying at her home in St George was the best, she and her husband were the best hosts anyone could have asked for. Barbie will be missed by all that knew her.
We had the privilege of living next door to Barbara since we moved to Daybreak 4 years ago. Barbara was such a sweet neighbor. She spent a lot of time in her garden with her flowers and always had a cheery and upbeat greeting when we would meet across our back yards. She was always willing to just chat about whatever was on her mind.
We loved and appreciate her and her friendly smile. She will be missed.
When I was in fifth grade at Horace Mann Elementary School in 1967/1968, Mrs. Durrant was my teacher. In February of that school year, my mother became ill and suddenly passed way. At the funeral, Mrs. Durrant walked in the viewing room. I saw her and ran into her arms, burying my face in her wet fur coat (it was pouring rain outside). I cried and cried while she held me. There were many times where she stood by me and supported me as my teacher. She was so beautiful and her smile lite up the room! Now I am 67 yrs old and still I love her. My heart overflows with gratitude for her being my teacher. She was on my mind this morning. I will forever love her! Thank you, for being part of my life story, so many years ago!