Barbara Ann Sykes

Barbara Ann (Brown) Sykes, affectionately known as “Babs,” cherished Wife, Mother, Grandmother and “Grandma-Great” passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a brief illness, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, laughter, and devotion to her family and community. At the time of her passing, she was living in Utah, surrounded by the mountains she loved and the memories of a life richly shared.

Barbara was born April 27, 1938, in Niagara Falls, NY, to the late Charles Homer Brown and Edna Alice Carlson. She had three younger sisters whom she loved deeply and helped care for during her early years. Barbara was blessed with wonderful foster parents who showed her unconditional love and helped shape the beautiful, compassionate, and caring woman she became. The late Richard and Katherine Hurd were a profound influence throughout her life and remained treasured members of her family and heart.

One of Barbara’s first jobs as a young woman was working as an elevator operator at a department store in Niagara Falls. During that time, in February 1957, she met the love of her life, Joseph T. Sykes, at a family dinner arranged by his sister, Jean. Joe was instantly drawn to her sweet innocence and trusting nature, which gave him countless opportunities to lovingly tease her.

They were married ten months later, on October 5, 1957. On August 5, 1972, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Utah Temple. Together they shared nearly 65 years of marriage until Joe’s passing in June 2022, building a life filled with devotion, service, and enduring tenderness. Their love story continues beyond this life.

Barbara embraced the sacred calling of motherhood and homemaking, anchoring her family with grace, strength, and steady love. She transformed their home into a sanctuary, filling it with laughter, homemade meals, unconditional love, cherished traditions, and even the occasional temper tantrum that comes with raising four children under the age of four.

Barbara developed many talents throughout her life, each of them touched by patience, creativity, and love. She had an extraordinary gift for gardening and could identify nearly any plant or flower; her green thumb filled her home with beauty and later led her to work at local nurseries in Utah. She also became skilled at breeding tropical fish and was accomplished at sewing, knitting, and crocheting, lovingly creating hats and sweaters for each new grandbaby as the family grew. She joyfully shared her talents with her children, grandchildren, and many youth in her church. She also served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, finding great joy in mentoring young people. Her family will forever cherish memories of summer vacations spent camping throughout western New York and Pennsylvania while she and Joe participated in square dance competitions.

Barbara devoted countless hours to researching her family’s genealogy, preserving their history for future generations. She and Joe served together at the Genealogy Library, where they shared their knowledge and passion with others.

She was an avid reader who could finish a lengthy novel in two to three days. She especially loved romance, history, and true stories of survival. Her curiosity about the world never faded, and she remained passionately interested in politics right up to her final days. Barbara had a hunger for learning and proudly earned her GED later in life. Many of her remarkable talents were self-taught.

In her last few years, Barbara treasured simple, joyful moments with her family: creating arts and crafts, painting wooden holiday decorations that she displayed in her home, completing word search and crossword puzzles, and discovering the joy of building Lego flowers. She particularly enjoyed playing Chinese checkers with her grandchildren, proudly holding the title of champion. During these times, she shared stories of her life experiences with colorful details, expressive gestures, and her special humor, leaving her family with memories they will hold close forever.

She and Joe were devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Niagara Falls, New York; Provo, Utah; and San Tan Valley, Arizona, where they faithfully served in many capacities and were deeply loved by those who knew them.

One of Barbara’s most defining characteristics was her generous heart; she was always willing to help when she saw a need. She met life’s challenges with strength and resilience, often giving more than she received and loving without hesitation.

Barbara is survived by her four children: Barbara Faulring (late Scott) of Orem, UT; Kathy Bird of South Jordan, UT; Sandra (Bryan) Beck of Gilbert, AZ; and Richard Sykes of Cottonwood, UT; sixteen grandchildren; more than 40 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Maryanne (Mark) Waters; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her eternal companion and the love of her life, Joseph, who surely welcomed her with open arms; her parents, Charles and Edna Brown; her beloved foster parents, Richard and Katherine Hurd; her sisters, Dorothy Williams and Charlene Forness; Joe’s family; and her son-in-law, Scott Faulring.

A memorial will be held on Thursday, September 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah 84065. This will be followed by a gathering celebrating her life at the same location. She will later be laid to rest alongside her eternal companion at Cave Creek National Memorial Cemetery in Arizona.

Our family would like to recognize Larkin Mortuary for their compassionate assistance and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers at Spring Gardens in Kearns, Utah, who lovingly cared for Barbara and affectionately referred to her as “spicy.” Your kindness, patience, and tenderness toward her will always be remembered.