Barbara May Magers Gowans passed away peacefully, two days after her 74th birthday on October 30, 2022 of complications from late stage Parkinson’s disease and a recent stroke.

She was born to Oscar E. Magers Jr. and Lois May Meinhart in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 28, 1948. She was the oldest of four children. She took the role of the oldest seriously throughout her entire life.

Barbara attended the University of Utah where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education and a minor in Math, graduating in the spring of 1972.

She  was sealed to William Ray Gowans in the Salt Lake Temple on October 2, 1971. They had four children; Benjamin, Daniel, Amy and Adam. They were blessed to have enjoyed 51 adoring years together. They are still very much in love and look forward to being reunited.

A major part of Barbara’s life was caring for their last child, Adam, their special needs son. She was very pleased to serve on the State Steering Committee for Children with Developmental Needs. Barbara worked tirelessly to find the best available services, newest technology, doctors, and resources to help Adam reach his full potential.

Music was an important part of Barbara’s life. She afforded each of her children an opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice. Barbara was also the Chief Administrator of The Intermountain Suzuki String Institute for 10 years.

When her children were very young she introduced them to the outdoors where she loved hiking, camping, and fighting those pesky mosquitoes. She and Bill were fortunate to enjoy traveling to many exotic destinations throughout the world. Barbara always kept and maintained a productive vegetable garden and beautiful yard full of flowers of many varieties. Quilting became one of her hobbies later in life.

Barbara had a deep and abiding testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ. She served in many callings faithfully. Some of which included; cub scouts, primary presidency, relief society president in 3 different wards, choir director as well as her service with Bill in the Developmental Center Ward in American Fork for almost three years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar E. Magers Jr., Lois May Meinhart, sister Debbie Magers Ruitman, and brother Gregory Eugene (Genie) Magers.

She is survived by her husband, William Ray Gowans and children, Benjamin William (Julie), Daniel Robert (Joanna), Amy May Player (Kevin), and Adam Eugene. Grandchildren: Zakary, Ethan, and Alyssa Gowans, Isaac, Leena, and Michael Player, and Samuel, and Linda Gowans. She is also survived by her sister, Gail Anderson.

Barbara and Bill would like to extend a very warm and heartfelt thank you to the owner, nurse and caregivers at Orchard View Assisted Living for their kind and exceptional service to Barbara and Bill day and night during her stay there, going above and beyond to assure Barbara’s comfort and care.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2022 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 952 West 1580 South, Payson, Utah. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. There will also be visitation on Sunday, November 6, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah.

The funeral service will be streamed live. Please return to Barbara's memorial page shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2022, and click on the link below.

Barbara Gowans Funeral Service