Barbara—beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother—passed away peacefully at home with family. She was born to Albert Reeder Bowen and Lucile Ross Bowen. She was the first of eight children: David (Karen) Bowen, Beverly (Mike) Walker, Albert Ross (JoAnn) Bowen, Robert (Lynda) Bowen, Mark Jenson Bowen, Julie (Curtis) Elton, Stephen (Kammie) Bowen.
She graduated from East High School and the University of Utah. She devoted her career to education. She taught American History at Murray High School and Utah History at Hillcrest Junior High School. While working full time and raising her family, she completed a Master's degree in Special Education, which she taught at Hillcrest for several years before becoming an administrator in the Murray School District. She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in numerous callings, including Relief Society President and organist. She loved the Utah Symphony, Opera, and University of Utah sports, which she followed closely with her brother Bob.
She and Ted Owens Brunker were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1958, they had two children: Thomas (Cherie) Brunker and Douglas Brunker and two grandchildren—Lucille Bowen Brunker and Preston Thomas Brunker—whom she loved dearly. Barbara's life was marked by love, generosity, hard work, and service.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Ted, mother, Lucile, father, Albert, brothers, Mark and Bob, and step-mother, Margaret Jenson Bowen. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, remaining siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews.
We want to especially thank the many medical professionals, caregivers, ward members, and others who worked so hard to help her through the last part of her journey.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 9, 2018, at 11:00 am at the Olympus 1st Ward, 4100 S Camille Street (2480 E), Salt Lake City, UT. Visitations will be held Sunday, April 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT and Monday from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the ward prior to services. Interment will be at Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Community Nursing Services Hospice Care or University of Utah Department of Education Scholarship Fund.
