Barbara Ann Erekson Cromar

Barbara Ann Erekson Cromar, age 84, was born in Salt Lake City to Louise Barton and Edward Erekson. Barbara lived a life shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep desire to experience the world around her. Adventurous and charismatic, she formed connections wherever she went and was known for her ability to strike up conversations, build friendships, and leave a memorable impression.

Barbara consistently shared her approach to life through simple phrases: “I am a lover of what is,” and “Notice and give permission.” These words reflected the way she learned, over time, to be attentive to her own experience, to accept reality as it came, and to make room for growth, reflection, and change.

She cherished language and earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University. Her love of language blossomed even further during her Spanish‑speaking mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints in Argentina. She learned Spanish with joy and carried a lasting affection for the people and culture she came to know there. Throughout her life she continued to speak Spanish, and her bilingual ability helped her form new friendships and connect with others in meaningful ways.

In the early 1970s, Barbara met and married Ralph Cromar under challenging circumstances. Her life changed rapidly as she stepped into marriage and family, becoming a wife and mother of two children. Barbara and Ralph welcomed four more children during their 28 years together. These years represented a significant and defining chapter of her story, influencing her understanding of herself and shaping the path she continued to walk.

Barbara was an artist at heart. A gifted pianist and longtime Suzuki piano teacher, she shared her love of music with students over several decades. She also found expression through painting. Even as Parkinson’s disease became more pronounced, she continued to create artwork and produced much of her artwork after the disease had significantly affected her body. This is an enduring testament to her determination and creative resilience.

Physical activity was central to Barbara’s life. Movement was not simply a pastime but a way of staying connected to life. She lived with Parkinson’s disease for 19 years and believed that staying active played a meaningful role in her health, independence, and well‑being. She embraced golf, Frisbee golf, fishing, hiking, bowling, traveling, and time outdoors, continuing to move for as long as she was able.

Raised on a ranch, Barbara carried a lifelong love of animals and the land. During her childhood, horses held a special place in her heart, and riding brought her a sense of freedom and grounding. In later years, her beloved dog, Montana, was a constant and cherished companion. Animals remained a steady source of comfort and joy throughout her life.

The later years of Barbara’s life were rich with friendship and connection. She formed deep and meaningful relationships, including many within the skilled nursing community where she lived during her final years. Even as physical limitations increased, her social world remained active and her presence unmistakable.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and a brother. She is survived by her six children, three sisters, and many grandchildren and great‑grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her inquisitive mind, artistic talent, love of movement, resilience, and a spirit that continued to seek expression, connection, and meaning throughout her 84 years.

A celebration of life in honor of Barbara will be held on Saturday, June 27th 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, Cemetery & Pet Garden – 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Barbara’s family wishes to express appreciation to those who served her at Rocky Mountain Care – Hunter Hollow for their kindness and care.