Barta McLean Walker

Barta McLean Walker passed away peacefully in her home on July 28, 2026, at the age of 100, after a long battle with Alzheimer's/dementia. She was surrounded by her loving children and many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barta was born June 26, 1926, in Franklin, Idaho, to Jennie Rae Durrant and Joseph Elmer McLean. She lived in the little farming community of College Ward, Utah, in Cache Valley near Logan. A few years later, the family moved to Heyburn, Idaho. She grew up in the Great Depression, and her family was very poor. She worked on a farm with her parents, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters. Barta graduated from Heyburn High School in 1944, during World War II. Her older brothers and sister were in the military, leaving her father to operate the farm with his 3 remaining girls, of which Barta was the oldest. The farm was sold after the war ended and her parents moved to South Salt Lake, Utah. There, Barta met James Walker, who came across the ocean from England on the Queen Elizabeth to live with his aunt in South Salt Lake. Barta and Jim were married on July 17, 1950, and later sealed in the Logan Temple. Together they raised their 4 children in South Salt Lake and later in Sandy, Utah.

Barta's hobbies and talents were first and foremost being the best mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother ever. She loved gardening and reading. With her family, she liked camping, fishing, water-skiing, and most anything outdoors. She loved to tie blankets for her grandchildren, and she crocheted around the edges of many burp cloths for her great-grandchildren. 

Barta was an active, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved family history and was known for her kindness, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a source of strength to those around her throughout a long and remarkable life. She was at the heart of wonderful, memory-making activities for her family and others. Barta served as a den mother, cub scout leader, young women's coach and camp director, and many other callings. She spent many, many years serving in Primary and it was her most favorite and loved church calling.

Barta is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and a great-grandson, Brody Kafer. She is survived by her four children, Sharon Esau; Kathy (Paul) Kafer; William/Bill (Shanna) Walker; Russell/Rusty Walker; 14 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM & Friday, August 14, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM, with Funeral Services to follow at 12:00 PM at the Mt. Jordan 2nd Ward; 9331 South 300 East, Sandy, Utah. Following the services, a graveside ceremony will be held at Memorial Redwood Cemetery; 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.