Becky Barton Coombs

Becky Barton Coombs, aged 69, passed quietly in the comfort of her home on January 2, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.

The eldest of 7, Becky was born in 1952 to Lyle and George Barton. As a gifted and compassionate child, she quickly developed a deep love of literature and a talent for helping others learn. Her caring spirit and fierce heart made her a strong advocate for the many she loved. In pursuit of her lifelong passion for teaching, she graduated from the University of Utah in 1974 and began her career at Draper Elementary School. Later, she led a co-operative home-based preschool and would go on to teach reading literacy classes at Salt Lake Community College.

Becky was an adored wife, mother, grandmother, sister and daughter, and a great adventurer. She loved nature, camping, and long drives through the mountains, as well as leading family expeditions into Utah’s deserts to hunt for fossils, topaz, and geodes. She was inventive and independent, and an avid gardener—leading to a very impressive food storage of homemade jams, sauces, pickles, and fruit. She loved pottery and ceramics and had a home studio where she taught her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and an endless stream of other children to glaze ghost statues and Christmas tree plates, and make pinch pots.

As an educator, Becky wanted to give her children every opportunity to learn and explore. She orchestrated piano, dance, and voice lessons; and transported van-loads of swimmers, wrestlers, and young thespians to and from practice. She sewed Halloween costumes, volunteered with the PTA, and planned epic birthday parties. Meticulous and frugal, Becky expertly managed her household. She was a particularly adept bargain hunter and spent long hours in grocery stores comparing prices and ingredient labels (much to the dismay of her helpers). Above all, she worked to teach her beloved children empathy, compassion, and kindness, a legacy evident in her wonderful grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart. Including, she would have us say, her four-legged and furry grandchildren as well.

Becky always strove to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She learned and taught by word and deed that discipleship meant a life of unconditional love and inclusivity. She embraced many precious souls, whom she treated as her children. As she grew in humility, her loving acceptance came to transcend faith, race, gender identity, and sexuality.

Her death was a peaceful release from 35 years of suffering due to Multiple Sclerosis, which led to the gradual loss of her physical capabilities. Despite her ever-increasing pain, Becky remained determined to lead a full and meaningful life.

She is survived by her loving and beloved husband Damon, who will especially miss her lovely face, feisty conversation, and keen mind. Her unbreakable spirit survives in her daughters Amy, Rachel (Faizan), son Nathan (Natasha), and nonbinary child Mary (Anthony), grandchildren Aleksander and Nina, sisters Janet (Kevin), Diane (Garth), and Kathy (Rod), brothers Ray (Charla), and Fred (Peri Lynn), and mother Lyle. She is preceded in death by her father George and brother Kay, brother-in-law Kevin, and her cherished uncle and adopted big brother Gordy. We know she is looking forward to finally hugging them again, as well as riding her horses Skinny and Zahara through fields of wildflowers, and running along mountain ridges with Shasta and Shifa.

Becky will be deeply missed by all who love her. We will mourn her for years to come: her special touch that always brought extra light to the holidays, reading A Christmas Carol by firelight, her passion for nature’s beauty, the sound of her laughter when she could no longer hold it in, sharing corn dogs and a really good malt, craft nights and embroidery projects, and all and everything that made up the woman we love.

Farewell for now, Becky. May our love be with you until we meet again. We wish your time with us had not come to an end. But, as you were fond of reminding us, not all tears are evil, and small acts of kindness will keep the darkness at bay.

Rather than traditional funeral services, the family will conduct a private celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Becky’s honor to the University of Utah Health Sciences Advancement Neurosciences Office, directed to the MS Foundation Fund and the work of Dr. Rose in particular. Donations can be made online at

https://uofuhealth.utah.edu/giving/, or by mail to:

The Development Office

P.O. Box 58006

Salt Lake City, Utah 84158

Memo: the MS Foundation Fund – Rose,

In honor of Becky Coombs