Barbara Jean Shields October 27, 1945 - January 8, 2026

Barbara Jean Betzing was born on October 27, 1945 in Laurium Michigan to Theodore and Martha (Isola) Betzing. Barbara graduated from Calumet High School in 1963. She began her College studies in 1964 at Michigan Technological University. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1965

 She was baptized in Lake Superior, MI. After being baptized, she moved to Utah where she attended BYU to finish her college courses. She graduated BYU in 1968 with a bachelor degree in social work. After graduation Barbara married James “Jimba” Wudel, also in 1968. Barbara and James had two children, Christopher James Wudel and Jaclyn Kay Wudel.  Barbara and Jimba owned and operated a successful & locally well known restaurant on Center St. in Provo, Utah called “Jimbas” from 1968 – 1980 when they divorced.  

Barbara met the love of her life, Wesley Eugene Shields, and they married in 1981. With this marriage Barbara gained two married stepdaughters, Laura Lee Goss and Jolene Sundquist – Shields.

Barbara, Wesley, Christopher and Jaclyn lived in Lindon Utah for some time. In 1981 they moved into their dream home located in Woodland Hills, Utah.

Barbara worked for the state of Utah from 1968 until 2011. The majority of her employment was with the division of Juvenile Justice Services where she retired from in 2011. Barbara was well known in the Juvenile Justice division amongst her colleagues because of her dedication and desire to always help others. She’s described by a friend & coworker Justin Seely as “the greatest mentor and a DCFS/YC/JJD legend”. 

Barbara was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Barbara and Wesley served together at the Provo Utah Temple for many years. Barbara also served at the Payson Ut Temple. On January 5th 1981 Barbara Wesley and Jaclyn were sealed for time & all eternity in the Provo, Utah Temple.

Barbara loved helping others any chance she could. She opened her heart and home many times to help others who needed it. Barbara had a passion for dark chocolate, loved movies and loved being a grandmother.  She loved watching a movie with friends and family after a hard day’s work.  Barbara became a grandmother on May 26, 2003, when Caitlin Angelina Wudel was born.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Jaclyn Kay Wudel, granddaughter, Caitlin Angelina Wudel and her stepchildren Laura Lee goss, and Jolene Sundquist-Shields. Preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Eugene Shields, her son, Christopher James Wudel, brother, Martin Betzing, and her parents.

Funeral services will be held:  Tuesday January 20th 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to noon. A viewing will be held prior to services from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Maple Canyon Ward Chapel located at 220 South Woodland Hills Drive, Woodland Hills, Utah 84653.  Interment will be at the Veterans Memorial cemetery, Bluffdale Utah