Barbara Jean Ellis Jefferies passed away early Christmas morning, December 25, 2013, surrounded by her children, in Grantsville, Utah. She was born on January 21, 1931 in Norwalk, California, to Leroy McFarland and Evelyn Farley Ellis. She spent her childhood in Bothwell, Utah and Jackson, Wyoming, moving to Grantsville, Utah in 1943, where she fell in love with the small town and its people. She participated in most extra-curricular activities at Grantsville High and deeply valued her high school friendships that continued through her lifetime. Barbara married Clyde C. Jefferies, the love of her life, on June 3, 1949, in Grantsville. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of David (Carol), Scott and Debra (Kevin) Hall, all of Grantsville. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren, who she loves without condition: Aaron, Ryan, Cameron, and Collin Jefferies, Jeanell Mouritsen, Rachel Mouritsen, Dustin and Josh Hall; and 23 great grandchildren. Barbara provided exceptional devotion to her church and family. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she served faithfully for many years as a ward organist, chorister, Primary and Relief Society board member, Stake Relief Society President and temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple. She cared tirelessly for her parents, husband and children, and has been an example of service, love and charity throughout her lifetime. She worked at the Jr. Mart and Soelberg’s Market, where she formed many cherished friendships.Her parents, husband, sisters Evelyn Louise Bolinder and Shirley Ellis, brothers Udell and George Reid Ellis, and a beloved granddaughter, Haylee Hall, preceded her in death. In addition to her children and grandchildren, brother, Jack Ellis, sisters in law Jeanine Johnson and Barbara Hutchins of Grantsville, and many nieces and nephews, survive her. Her family is especially grateful for niece Shirlee Shields’ visits and assistance over the past few months as Barbara’s health declined; they also thank Charles (Chick) Stromberg for being her friend and confidant for many years. A viewing will be held at the Grantsville West Stake Center, 115 E. Cherry Street, Sunday evening, December 29, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the same location, Monday, December 30, 2013 at 12 noon, with a viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Grantsville City Cemetery immediately following the services. A special thank you to Diamond Jane’s Assisted Living and Pine Mountain Home Health & Hospice staff for the expert and sensitive care they provided Barbara the last weeks of her life. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050.
