It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Barbara Jane Garvin Slavens. She passed away peacefully February 12, 2023, at age 88, in Provo, Utah, surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara Jane was born July 28, 1934, in Jacksonville, Arkansas to Haskell Garvin and Gladys Farris Garvin.  Mom was born at home and delivered by a country doctor, with her beloved Aunt Grace as witness to her birth.  Aunt Grace said that Mom was the most beautiful baby she had ever seen, with piercing blue eyes.  Mom grew up with two younger brothers, Shelby and Harold.  The three of them had a wonderful childhood.

Barbara married Bert “Sonny” Slavens, March 19, 1950. Together they raised four children: Donald, Vickie, Tina, and David; and her nephew – child of her heart – Mark Garvin.  Our Mom was a devoted mother whose love was unconditional.

She enjoyed so many things in life . . . her roses, country and gospel music, dancing, singing, fishing, camping, and her particularly epic birthday parties, to name a few.  Mom had a passion for cooking. Everything she prepared was delicious.  Family and friends all wanted to eat meals she made.   She had hundreds of recipes that she shared, much to everyone’s delight.

Mom held down many jobs over the years, working tirelessly to help provide for her family.  Always, though, her beloved husband and family were her top priority and loves of her life.

Barbara is survived by her four children: Donald (Lee Ann) Slavens of Macon, Georgia; Vickie (Clark) Johnson of Springville, Utah; Tina (Keith) Fluehe of Salem, Utah; David (Shelley) Slavens of Cedaredge, Colorado.  She is also survived by her brother, Harold (Diane) Garvin of Sherwood Hills, Arkansas; and 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind her constant fur-baby companion, Rosie (aka “the old girl” “Ro-Ro” “Rose Bud” and “her Doggie”). She is preceded in death by her parents, Haskell and Gladys; her husband, Bert “Sonny” Slavens; and her brother, Shelby Garvin; and her grandsons, Michael Slavens and Michael Maldonado; as well as a brother-in-law, Mike Slavens; and a sister-in-law, Cathy Slavens.

Barbara’s greatest legacy will be her cherished children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Special thank you is given by Barbara’s family to the doctors and nurses at Utah Valley Regional Hospital for the excellent care they gave our dear mother.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 12:00 Noon, at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.  There will be a visitation at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. prior to the funeral.  The following day, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, she will be laid to rest at the cemetery (526 County Road) in Evanston, Wyoming 82930.

Services will be livestreamed.  Please return to this page Tuesday, February 21, 2023 shortly before 12:00 Noon and click on the link below:

Barbara Slavens LIVESTREAM