Gayle Ann McKell Barton

Gayle Ann McKell Barton

Our sweet wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Gayle Ann McKell Barton, returned home to her Heavenly Father on July 2, 2025. We rejoice knowing she is now free from her beautiful yet broken body. We truly believe she is up there dancing and prancing again!

Gayle was born on February 9, 1950, in Provo, Utah, to William E. McKell and Freda Eliza Leifson. She was the third of five children: Robert, Barbara, Sheila, and Annette. Gayle graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1968. She then continued her education at Utah State University and later BYU, where she met her eternal companion, Quinn Bott Barton. She went on to complete her education as a Dental Assistant.

Gayle and Quinn were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple on June 25, 1971. They settled in Bluffdale, Utah, in 1974, where they raised their four children—Annie, Jennifer, Katie, and Bart. Together, they transformed humble beginnings, starting from a camper on rocky land, into a loving family home.

Gayle was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She joyfully served in numerous callings, including Relief Society President, Primary teacher, Young Women leader, and nursery worker. She treasured her service in the community, volunteering at the polls during election days, participating in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and helping with Bluffdale Old West Days. Professionally, Gayle shared her skills and talents teaching Dental Assisting at Utah Career College (Bryman College), working at Hancock Fabrics, substitute teaching, and instructing CPR classes.

Gayle loved sewing, crocheting, crafting, and reading. One of her cherished accomplishments was crocheting an altar cloth for the Jordan River Temple in 1994. From 2012 to 2021, she enjoyed performing with the senior tap dance team "Time Steppers," entertaining throughout Salt Lake and Utah counties.

Together, Gayle and Quinn faithfully served multiple missions together. From December 2003 to June 2005, they served at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii, including several mission extensions and two mini-missions. Following their time at the PCC, they moved to a different climate and served at Cove Fort, Utah, from 2010 to 2011.

Gayle is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Quinn Barton; children Annie Barton (Smithfield, UT), Jennifer (Todd) Lloyd (Payson, UT), Katie (Jared) Ballard (St. George, UT), Bart (Annette) Barton (Bluffdale, UT), and LiYin (Blake) Centini (Provo, UT); 13 grandchildren—Jayse (Emilee), Jamison, Jensen, Colton, Corbin, Wyatt (Aleia), Waylon, Quincy, Molly, Camden, Cooper, Penny and Lance; and one great-grandchild, Justin, with another great-grandchild expected soon. She is also survived by her siblings Robert (Connie) McKell, Barbara Evenson, Sheila Bos, and Annette Davieau.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Freda McKell.

Our family expresses deep gratitude to IHC Hospice for their loving care and compassion during Gayle's final days.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 7, 2025, with a viewing from 9:00-10:00 AM following a Funeral service at the Bluffdale meetinghouse located at 14650 S 3200 W, Bluffdale, Utah. Interment will follow at the Bluffdale City Cemetery, 14229 S Redwood Rd, Bluffdale, Utah.

For those unable to attend in person, services will be streamed via Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/96913941653