Barbara Jo Bateman Geertsen died Sunday, December 19,2021 in Costa Rica while on vacation. Born April 2, 1949 in Ogden, Utah, the daughter of Joseph Eldon Bateman and Dorothy Ovena Jorgensen Bateman. Married Leonard Ray (Lenny) Geertsen for eternity July 12,1968 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Barbara loved the Lord and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She frequently shared her testimony with her family, friends, and others she had just met.
As an adolescent, she loved horses and rode her own horse Sugar, in the 24th of July parade with her Midvale Equestrian Club. She also loved the many boating, camping, fishing and hunting trips she shared with her family. After her marriage, Lenny shared those trips with her family. On one such trip, her father, Joe, suggested that it was about time for him to buy the Starcraft aluminum boat and make it a fun activity for their growing family. As Barbara’s kids grew, water-skiing trips to Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell were added to the mix. The week-long Morris family reunion at Bear Lake became a favorite for her family, and this past Summer her family enjoyed their 51st annual trip.
Barbara loved high school and her many friends at Hillcrest where she led the Huskies in cheers. She graduated from Hillcrest in June, 1967 and later that summer was honored by being selected “Miss Midvale”. She was headed to the “Miss Utah” pageant, but those plans were interrupted when Lenny proposed to her on Christmas Eve. She gave up her “Miss Midvale” crown to marry her sweetheart.
Barbara first met Lenny on a blind date set up by her Alpha Chi Omega sorority sister, Marlene Geertsen. It was Halloween Night, and when he came to pick her up, he was met at the door by Barbara’s mom, who proceeded to apply Elmer’s glue to his upper lip and chin. Soon he was wearing a moustache and a goatee. That was her first glimpse of him. They had a memorable first date as the “Two Musketeers'’. Lenny moved quickly after that and was deeply in love in a very short time. After only 8 weeks, on Christmas eve he proposed to her.
Her family came quickly. She had 5 children, giving birth to her last child 2 days after her 29th birthday. She wanted an even larger family but endometriosis stopped that dream. She loved her family that has now grown by 19 grandchildren.
At age 22, with 2 kids in tow, Barbara wrote and directed her first roadshow for the Parley’s 5th Ward. She loved music and played the flute in the Mountain West Symphony Orchestra. She also taught flute lessons to many students.
Barbara and Lenny loved to dance and especially enjoyed escorting cruises for Brian Judd Tours because it gave them the opportunity to dance for hours each evening to live music.
She served two missions with Lenny. The first as a proselyting missionary on Temple Square for over 3 years. The second was at the Youth Detention Center where she taught Sunday School for 3 years. She had many other church callings during her life, mostly in primary and young womens. She loved the opportunity to serve.
Barbara is survived by her husband and five children: Gary (Sandra), Angie (Greg), Tom (Cathy), Scott (Tamara), Dan, and 19 grandchildren. Siblings: Brent (Lary Ann), Bonnie, and Bob (Chris). She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 siblings who died at birth, Betty Lynn, Jan, and Barton, and a son-in- law Darrin Wilson.
For an additional Life Sketch of Barbara's life please Click on the Program button and view a Life View by one of her granddaughters.
To view the completed services click the "View Services" button above, or click on the following direct link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/S6QzvaW13RLLocClZi1_oBaDHCbn0CFd3AUz3N1vSjpmTc7W5PHgwHTuzK2Lghp7.wPvqFwWcCLmm6k_N?startTime=1640972216000
We are deeply saddened at the passing of our dear friend Barbara. Though she faced many challenges in her life she always happy and concerned about others. She would always ask about our children by name, then say something like: "they were such good kids". Barbara had a beautiful loving smile. We will miss her.
Our prayers are with Lenny, Barbara and their family. May you feel the Lord's loving embrace comforting you until your are together with your dear Barbara again.
I will remember Barbara for her testimony which was sweet, sincere and deep. The love she has for her family was so great and she adored them. My children loved her as their primary teacher, they felt loved and cared for and she was always so happy and kind towards them. Barb had a beautiful, happy smile that was so welcoming and loving. We are so sorry for your loss and pray there will be continued peace for your family, Kimball and Erica High
Scott,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. May God bless you and your family during this time of grief with many precious memories you’ll always treasure. Sending love, prayers, and many hugs.
Raquel Torres
I’m so hart broken. Barbra was a second mom to me. Spending my childhood with Barbra on her family vacations. I’m so fortunate to have lived next door to such a caring and loving lady. You will be missed greatly by me.
Len and Family,
I am so sorry for your terrible loss. I am sending my condolences during this difficult time.
Love,
Ashley Russell
My aunt Barb is a pure and beautiful soul. I felt like we were best friends and could talk and laugh endlessly. She loved people and loved me too. I have learned so much from her about how to be human. I love you Aunt Barb and will miss you greatly. You are always in my heart. Your nephew, scottyO. Scott Geertsen Ormond
I was saddened to read about Barbara’s sudden death. A shock to everyone who knew her. I had the great opportunity to serve with Barbara as a cheerleader during our Junior year at Hillcrest. What a treat it was to get to know her. A true and supportive friend from the beginning of the year to the end of the year that we got to know each other that continued during the years. The last time I saw Barbara was at the 50th year Hillcrest reunion and it was as if we were back as a cheerleader and good friends. She was a friend to all and I count it as one of my best times from High School to have known her and been able to associate with her. Jane and I send our condolences to you and your family. Remember the memories always. I unfortunately will not be at the funeral as I am visiting family out of town but please know that Jane and my prayers are with you. Lynn & Jane Brown
Barb was a really great gal who was always there to help out any one who needed t. What a great smile and wonderful personality ! I will miss her dearly. Curt
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs to your sweet family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My girls and I remember spending joyful times at the Geertsen and Associates office. Lenny would share sweet stories about Barbara and the family as he completed my taxes. I remember going on family trips with the Geertsen family when I was young. Lots of fun memories! Sending all our love!!
Amie, Sydnie, and Rylie Butler
Dear Geertson Family,
I had the privilege of being one of Barbara's ministers. Megan Anderson and I would always leave Barbara's home knowing she loved her family and the Lord. She would often share here testimony of how blessed she felt, even as she struggled with health issues.
Nothing made her feel better than to have her hair done by her granddaughter. When her children came to help her decorate or clean she was in heaven. During my visits Barbara almost always spoke lovingly about family members including her grandchildren of whom she was so proud. She felt bless by Lenny's loving attention and help. I can testify you were her joy.
I will miss my beautiful friend. Barbara and I will be friends forever.
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss and my prayers of comfort.
With love, Carol Webb
This world lost a beautiful light. I became friends with Barb because she was in my ward. She became one of my nail clients. I got to do her nails for quite a few years but what I got in return was not only money payment but a deep friendship. She always brought positivity, laughter, and if there was a chance or if the timing was right she would bare her testimony. She would say she doesn’t know the scriptures like Lenny but she didn’t need to because you could feel the spirit just in the way she spoke about her beliefs. We also talked about everything under the sun. We laughed a lot sometimes until we cried. She had a great personality and sense of humor. Everyone in the salon loved Barb.
Barb talked to me about her family, her kids grandkids and Lenny. At times she may tell me about her worries or concerns of a family member but never gossip and only in a loving way. She was so proud of all of her sons, and had a special love and respect for her daughter. She loved Her son-in-law and daughters-in-law so much. She often told me how much she Loved Saundra and that she had a beautiful spirit about her.
When She would talk about Lenny you could tell she not only loved him but was in love with him. She gave me hope that after that many years you can still be in love.
I will miss Barb, I am sad of her passing and for those left behind. I just found out of her passing. I am out of town, I would love to have been there.
All my Love to her family,
Tori