Barbara Ann (Bertagnolli) Grover, 73, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Thursday, December 7, 2023. She fought a hard 4 month battle with cancer. Her courage during this time was inspiring. Barbara, otherwise known as Barb, was born on July 22, 1950 in Evanston, Wyoming, to David Arthur Bertagnolli and Helen Smedley Bertagnolli. She graduated Evanston High School in 1968, and then furthered her education at Stevens Henager College in Ogden, Utah where she graduated with honors with her Associate’s Degree in Executive Secretarial Finishing in 1970. Barbara also met and married Bruce Keller Grover during this time. They married on January 23, 1970, in Evanston, Wyoming. Barbara and Bruce have been happily married nearly 54 years. Their relationship is one to be admired. She was a loving mother of three children, Barry, Doug, and Amber.
Barbara was loved by everyone, and had many accomplishments. She worked twelve years at an emergency animal hospital, and then at El Camino College as an Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Math/Physical Sciences. She later moved to be the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences where she received the prestigious award of the Women’s Hall of Fame. She retired from El Camino College in 2007.
Barbara’s religious service was remarkable in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served diligently in multiple ward and stake leadership positions. Barbara was a people person. She will be remembered by many for her compassionate service to all she met. Barb also enjoyed making photo albums and collecting things for ancestral purposes. She loved collecting “Grover” related nicknacks, and watching game shows. Her favorite activity would definitely be spending time with her family.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Bruce Keller Grover, Utah; son Barry Grover (Sherry), Utah; Doug Grover (Marina), Texas; Amber Grover King (Ammon), Arizona; six grandchildren; her brother Mike O’Brien, Wyoming; and many other extended family members.
She is preceded in death by her parents; stepmom Carol Henderson Bertagnolli; daughter in-law Susan Cummings-Grover; and granddaughter Olivia Marie Grover.
A special thanks to the many others who cared for Barbara and her family. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.
A funeral service for Barb will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints located at 2188 East 100 South, Spanish Fork, Utah. Visitations for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 6-8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, and at the church on Thursday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
4 Condolences for Barbara Ann Grover
Condolences(4)
Susan Keller Obray says
December 10, 2023 at 4:24 amI was so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a very special lady. Sending love and hugs!❤️
Joan Summerill says
December 10, 2023 at 11:29 pmBruce & Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. She was my dearest friend since the 8th grade in school and after. People used to say we were inseparable. She gave me the nickname of “Pickles” in school. My husband loves to hear the stories I tell him of when Barb and I took the train from Evanston to Southern California after graduation to stay with Barb’s mother for a month. We had the best time together. I’m going to miss our recent emails to each other. God Bless your family at this time.
Sincerely,
Joan Padilla Summerill
Ivins, Utah
summerilln@yahoo.com
Ty E Kehoe says
December 14, 2023 at 7:52 pmWhat a great service. I am saddened I wasn’t able to be there live. What a great reminder of the wonderful family she helped create with Bruce. My brother Mark said it well by stating: “She was always so nice to me.” It is sad that time and distance seperates old friends, but this was a good reminder of why they were friends in the first place. I look forward to a reunion with Barb on the other side, and with her family at some time durig this earth life.
Diann Lavin says
December 15, 2023 at 11:38 pmAlthough I couldn’t attend the service and but Mike went; I did watch the service through this link. It was a beautiful service and honored our sweet friend!! Barb is and was the most kind person!!! She even gave kindness to those she did not know and offered her friendship. She did that for my mother, who was a stranger, going through cancer treatment. My mother only had our family and her sisters, but Barb and friend, Nancy Justice, gave her loving support and friendship. When my mother passed, Barb was there supporting us and doing all she could to bring us comfort. I only wish I could have returned that service and done more for her. You all have such a wonderful legacy to have her be a part of your lives. Love, Diann Lavin
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