Barbara Peters

Barbara Heyman Peters, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, at the age of 93. Throughout her life, Mom was an inspiration for demonstrating love, support, patience, service and kindness to others. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Barbara was born on July 10, 1932, in Ogden, Utah, to William F. Heyman and Ruby Denkers Heyman. She graduated from Ogden High School in 1950 and received a general scholarship to the University of Utah, where she earned a degree in Biology in 1954. Following graduation, she completed an internship in medical technology at LDS Hospital.

Soon after, Barbara and four of her roommates spent nearly three months touring Europe. They traveled overseas by ship and returned on what became Barbara’s first airplane ride. This trip sparked a lifelong passion for travel. Over the years, she visited Japan, Russia, Mexico, Hawaii, Aruba, Australia, several countries in Europe, and many other destinations around the world. She also enjoyed cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada, Norway, and Denmark.

Barbara worked full-time at Primary Children’s Hospital before marrying and continued working part-time after marriage until her retirement in 1996.

In 1964, she married Robert (Bob) Peters and lovingly raised his four children, along with the four children they had together. She encouraged her husband to build a family cabin on a lot his father was buying before his passing. While Barbara claimed she wasn’t much help with pounding nails, she took on painting the entire interior and staining and varnishing cupboards, doors, and some of the walls. The cabin became a cherished place where the family created many happy memories over the years.

In addition to raising eight children, Barbara was deeply involved in service throughout her life in other areas as well. She volunteered as a Master Gardener, with the American Red Cross, Salt Lake Aging Services, and as a hospice volunteer for Community Nursing Services. She lovingly cared for her mother at home for 10 years and then for another four years in a nursing home. She also helped care for her mother-in-law and a beloved aunt.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barbara served in numerous callings including teacher in the Mutual and Primary, secretary in the Primary and Relief Society, and visiting teacher.

Barbara began sewing at the age of 14 and developed a deep love for the craft. She made suits and coats, often working with wool, as well as clothing for her children and friends. She sewed curtains, bedspreads, and created many intricate cross-stitch pieces that became treasured gifts for her family. Barbara also enjoyed producing food, using it to try new recipes in the kitchen, and preserving the excess. She started seedlings to replant outdoors, grew many kinds of herbs, fruits and vegetables over the years, and enjoyed canning for herself and others. Her family and close friends regarded her as a Master Gardener long before she actually earned the certificate through Utah State University. She loved to learn, devoting countless hours to reading all types of literature.

Above all else, her family was her greatest joy. She was fortunate to have most of her children living in the Salt Lake area and cherished their visits—especially when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit. There was nothing better than a home-cooked meal from Mom. Holidays will not be the same without Mom’s special treats.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Keith, her husband Robert and two of the children she raised: Suzanne (Steve) and Greg (Lisa). She is survived by six children: David (Myrella), Steve (Colleen), Bill (Lareen), Becky (Ronald), Jim (Michelle), and Jason (Carolyn); 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Mountain View Memorial Estates, 3115 East Bengal Boulevard, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Friends and family may visit beforehand between 9:00 and 9:45 a.m. The family would like to send a special thank you to the many amazing friends and neighbors who brought so much help and joy to Mom over the years. An extra special thank you to her many loving caregivers and other personnel at her assisted care center and the beautiful hospice workers who provided her with so much additional comfort, love and support. They truly made a difference in her life.