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.
8 Condolences for Barbara May Magers Gowans
Condolences(8)
Bob and Kristie Pitts says
November 2, 2022 at 2:01 amBill and family, we love Barbara so much and are greatly saddened at this news. She was a dear friend, graced with spirituality, loyalty, dedication, and sweetness. Deepest sympathy to you all. ❤️❤️❤️
Brenda;Westergard-Van Leeuwen says
November 2, 2022 at 3:31 pmI adored living next to the Gowans and Barbara was an AMAZING woman. I am so sad to hear of her passing. I want to send my love to the family.
Wain Palmer says
November 3, 2022 at 4:15 amBill, You and Barbara are beautiful people. My wife who passed this year in January absolutely adored Barbara’s sweet n fun personality. We had fun vacationing together in San Juan hiking in that crazy humid jungle laughing n enjoying each other’s company as friends. We have known each other for a long time and with her recent passing I want to express my sincerest condolences. Our sweethearts are probably up in heaven now & still as good friends shopping n doing better than us here. Thanks to our Saviour’s infinite atonement so we can all get together again ! Love you like a brother Bill n may you & family be closely watched over n comforted during this great loss of Barbara is my humble prayer 🙏
Buds to the end bro,
Wain Palmer
Lydia Zaharias Day says
November 3, 2022 at 9:47 pmThe awesome fivesome is now the lonesome threesome.
Barbara will truly be missed. We have all known each other since second grade. She and Taffy have left huge holes in our lives.
Prayers sent to you Bill, and your family.
Natalie Stirling says
November 20, 2022 at 8:58 pmBarbara and Bill were my second mom and dad. Their home was a refuge for me – always filled with laughter and love. They were proof to me that true love and soul mates existed. They flirted so much with each other that it drove their kids crazy but I absolutely loved it!
Barbara was always calm and cool. Even when she was mad, which was rarely, she managed to keep her voice steady. She taught me that even when their was tension you could behave dignified.
Amy and her brothers spoke at her funeral about how she taught them to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I never heard Barbara say a negative word about anyone ever. Her love for people was unconditional. I am so blessed to have experienced that love and to have had such an amazing woman be such a huge influence in my life.
I send my deepest condolences to Bill and the rest of the family. I truly do love all of you. I have amazing, funny, admirable memories of each one of you growing up. I know you will miss dear Barbara immensely and pray that you will feel the Lord‘s love and be comforted at this time.
Love,
Natalir
Natalie Stirling says
November 20, 2022 at 9:00 pmBarbara and Bill were my second mom and dad. Their home was a refuge for me – always filled with laughter and love. They were proof to me that true love and soul mates existed. They flirted so much with each other that it drove their kids crazy but I absolutely loved it!
Barbara was always calm and cool. Even when she was mad, which was rarely, she managed to keep her voice steady. She taught me that even when their was tension you could behave dignified.
Amy and her brothers spoke at her funeral about how she taught them to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I never heard Barbara say a negative word about anyone ever. Her love for people was unconditional. I am so blessed to have experienced that love and to have had such an amazing woman be such a huge influence in my life.
I send my deepest condolences to Bill and the rest of the family. I truly do love all of you. I have amazing, funny, admirable memories of each one of you growing up. I know you will miss dear Barbara immensely and pray that you will feel the Lord‘s love and be comforted at this time.
Love,
Natalie
Ramona Stirling Hales says
November 5, 2022 at 7:39 pmBarbara was my closest friend in the Butler 33rd ward neighborhood. She was the first to bring a goodie when we moved in. We soon shared our love of music and I started teaching Amy the violin for many years. Barbara and I operated a Suzuki music preschool together and then moved on to running the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute together. She was a meticulous administrator and served the organization well for many years. What we all remember the most about Barbara was her sweet and constant temperament. She was so full of love. My oldest son said, “You could not make her mad. Even when Ben and I put 12 grasshoppers in her microwave and cooked them until they blew up.” My daughter Natalie says, “Her home was a second home to me, and Bill and Barbara were like my second parents.” The Stirling family loved the Gowans and will miss Barbara, who went straight to the top place in heaven, no doubt. Love to you all, Ramona Stirling Hales
Laura Baggett says
November 7, 2022 at 7:12 pmWhat a lovely service for a lovely lady. I love you Barbara and am happy to have known you. I hope to get to know you even more on the other side where you are now. I pray for your husband and family.
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