Barbara Jean Utley (Denman), 79, stepped into her heavenly home on April 7, 2024. She now waits for her earthly body to be renewed and now, no illness, no sickness, no cancer, nor pain can affect her. She is not dead, but is more alive than ever. There’s no doubt she was greeted by those who have gone before her, including Wendy, Max, and Red. She has rested all of her hope in her savior, Jesus, and the many promises in the Bible, such as John 20:31, “But these are written that you may believe, that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born on July 26, 1944, in Chicago, IL, Barb was the devoted mother of Cindy, Wendy, Scott, Beck, Sally, and Abbey. She loved all of her grands: David, Jessica, Megan, Lauren, Nicholas, Chloe, Indigo, Aislin, Max, Stosh, Lucy, Lily, Moxie, and Rusty. She was the sister to Chester Wojochiewski, Ralph, Dale, Darwin, Bette, and Sharon Denman. She adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, finding immense joy in their antics and endless energy. Known affectionately as Mom to her children, Barb to her friends, Bobby to her brother Ches, Ma to her kids’ friends, Grandma B to her grands and the church kids, and the Craft Lady to the kids at VBS. Barb was a force of nature who could light up a room with her vibrant spirit and spunk. She had a knack for collecting dangly earrings and petunia barrels, her eclectic tastes always kept things interesting. Barb’s life was transformed when she accepted Jesus as her savior, at the age of 27. She shared the love of God with everyone she met, read her Bible to seek out answers, attended Lois Peterson’s Bible studies, taught her own Bible studies, volunteered in AWANA, taught crafts at Vacation Bible School, and prayed for her family and friends daily. Most importantly, she shared the gospel with her children. She welcomed everyone into her home. Her front porch was a hub of activity, where friends and neighborhood kids hung out, engaging in chit chat or deep conversations, and occasional singing with Red or Abbey playing guitar. Barb was a doer! She had a tenacious work ethic and a knack for getting things done. She worked her entire life and eventually retired in 2016 from AON Insurance. She leaves behind a treasure trove of fond memories along with family and friends who loved her. Barb was preceded in death by her mom and dad, brothers, Dale and Darwin, daughter, Wendy, and grandson, Max.