Susan Barber finally decided it was time to spend time with her heavenly family and left her earthly family on January 16, 2026, departing with the same bright spirit that lit up every room like a perfect summer day.
Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1950, Susan was the kind of woman who could balance a checkbook, win at card games, tend to prize-winning roses, and still have energy left to crack everyone up. She was proud of her Icelandic heritage. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she poured her heart into her favorite calling in the Young Women’s, where she no doubt taught countless girls that faith, laughter, and a whole lot of pranks get you through just about anything. Her favorite scripture? Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—and boy, did she live it!
Professionally, she was a sharp-as-a-tack bookkeeper who retired from Western States Insurance in 2010, but she was also a proud second-generation owner of the family insurance agency along with her husband, Doug Barber. Outside the office, she was a force: President of the Spanish Fork Chamber of Commerce, a Rotary Club regular, and a fabulous member of the Red Hat Group (because she knew the best accessory for any outfit is a bright red hat and a bigger smile).
When she wasn’t running the world, Susan was reading, writing, traveling the globe with her sweetheart Doug (her favorite co-pilot and partner-in-crime), perfecting her golf swing, or turning every gathering into a full-on party. And let’s be honest—her card games and nightly chats with friends and who can forget about her drinking Diet Pepsi by the gallon, and eating brownies, were some of her best memories.
Even with multiple sclerosis throwing curveballs her way, Susan handled it with grace, dignity, and a generous dose of “I’ll show you” attitude. She stayed in her own home far longer than most would manage, thanks to her incredible “earthly angel” Wendy Cano, the wonderful CNA Bianca, the caring team at Cascade Springs Home and Hospice, and the folks at Spring Gardens Assisted Living in Mapleton. She never lost her sparkle.
Susan is survived by her children—Matt (Rochelle) Barber, Kathleen (Trent) Beardall, Shantelle (Craig)Martinez, DJ (Carissa) Barber, along with 11 grandchildren, 5 great- grandkids who will forever remember Grandma’s jokes and pranks. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Dona Stone, and her forever love, Douglas Barber (who’s probably already poured her a Pepsi and shared a brownie with her.)
Susan left us more joy, laughter, and love than most people collect in a lifetime. So instead of saying goodbye, let’s keep the party going: share your favorite stories, photos, and memories on her memorial page. Let’s celebrate the woman who proved you really can do all things—with a little help from above, and a lot of humor.
A visitation will be held in Susan’s honor on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home located at 187 South Main St., Spanish Fork, Utah. An additional visitation will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 9:45 – 10: 45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 870 East Canyon Road, Spanish Fork, Utah. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
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