Mary Pollard Backman

Mary Backman passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a long journey with dementia.

Mary was born on July 6, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Clarence Edwin Pollard and Alta Walker Pollard. She had 6 siblings, attended Highland High School and later became a court reporter. In 1976 she married the love of her life D. Kent Backman. In September, they would have celebrated 50 years of marriage. Their love and commitment were further honored when they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on June 17, 2006.

Mary enjoyed years of being a stay at home mom, creating, selling and gifting her appliquéd crafts, as well as working as a sales manager for her brother Brent. Mary found joy in life’s simple pleasures including cooking, sewing, baking and decorating wedding and birthday cakes, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and was on her bowling team for 30 years. She also enjoyed racing cars, snowmobiling, spending time at the family cabin, and annual trips to Lake Powell. Above all, she treasured her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Mary had a special gift for serving others, always finding ways to help, care for, and show kindness to those around her. Her LDS faith was an important part of her life and guided the love and service she shared with others.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Angela Backman, Lindsay (Brian) Greer, and Renel (Kent) Rytting; and her son, Royce (LaDonna) Backman. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband D Kent Backman, parents, Clarence E. and Alta W. Pollard; most of her siblings including Carolyn Meyer and Brent Pollard; and her beloved grandson, Mason Greer.

Mary’s love, kindness, faith, and devotion to her family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. Mary’s life was a testament to faith, family, and loving service. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Funeral Services

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3070 E. Nila Way (4125 South), Salt Lake City, Utah.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the church on Friday, October 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., prior to the funeral service.

Mary will be laid to rest at Farmington City Cemetery. All are welcome to join the family for the graveside dedication