On February 27, 2016 my great grandmother died from pancreatic cancer. Her obituary is as follows: Barbara Jean Whitmore Harmon
1935~2016
Sandy, UT-Barbara Jean Whitmore Harmon returned to her heavenly home and the arms of her beloved husband, February 27, 2016 after a brief, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born August 7, 1935 in Provo, Utah, she was the second of three children born to Glendon M. and Renee Cunningham Whitmore. Early in her life, her family moved to Long Beach, California where she spent her childhood and youth.
During her teenage years she was actively involved in church and school activities, enjoying Gold and Green Balls, MIA activities, and long days at the beach. In 1951 a handsome young missionary, serving in her home ward caught her eye. She said from that moment on she was "smitten" with Elder Harmon. After his release, he and Barbara began dating and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 22, 1953. Their union was blessed with six children. Blaine was drafted into the army in 1953 and he and Barbara spent a year in post-war France. A favorite family memory is of a 19-year old Barbara who, on her own accord, sold some family held bonds to buy passage on a ship and sailed from America to France to be with Blaine. Luckily, the army changed its policy during her voyage over, and made married housing available for the soldiers and their wives. This determination served her well throughout her life.
Upon their return from France Blaine and Barbara settled in Salt Lake City, UT where she took on her most important and beloved role of wife and mother. She was an excellent cook and seamstress, of which her family were beneficiaries. She established family traditions which are now being passed from generation to generation. As the family grew, she used her exceptional organizational skills and endless energy in planning and executing family parties and reunions. It was important to her that her grand-children and great grandchildren knew each other and knew that their grandparents loved them unconditionally. She put tremendous effort into keeping her family connected and united. She not only mothered her children, but welcomed many others into her home, who needed love and support.
As a young child during World War II, her early love for her country was instilled. During their time in France in their early marriage, she gained a greater love and appreciation for the freedoms and values we enjoy in America. She stated that her love for her country was as much a part of herself as her testimony of the restored gospel. She actively shared these feelings of faith and patriotism with her posterity.
Barbara was a lifetime active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served willingly in various callings throughout life. Barbara, with her husband Blaine, gratefully served in the Salt Lake Temple for 15 years. She said that temple service was a choice, life changing experience for them. In January of 2005 she and Blaine began an eighteen month service mission in the London South Mission.
A righteous example of faith, love, generosity and dedication to family and country, she lived her life with enthusiasm, grace and energy. In her final days she exemplified the principles she had demonstrated throughout her life--she was truly valiant and endured to the end.
Barbara is survived by her six children Niel Harmon (Marsha), Teri Wariner (Andy), Debbie Katter, Stacy Ogden (Ron), Rick Harmon and Nancy Harmon; eighteen grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren with two more on the way; brother Glen R. Whitmore, sister Lynda Gull, sister-in-law Kay Olsen; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband of 61 years.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March 5, 2016 at 12:00 PM, at Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, UT. Viewings will be held at the same location in the Primary Room on the North side of the building, Friday March 4, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and Saturday 11:00 to 11:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the missionary fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will take place at Mountain View Memorial Estates 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, UT. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.memorialutah.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?n=barbara-jean-whitmore-harmon&pid=177917862#sthash.VnbomA33.dpuf
I think that the 2 main things that I remember about her was how important the temple was to her and her husband. And how much she valued family, She would make an effort to get the family together as often as was possible.
My facebook/instagram feed was full with memories of her:
My Mom:
I was privileged to be there when my sweet grandmother passed from this life into the next. At that time, and throughout her battle with cancer, she bore up with courage, grace, and selflessness.
Today was both lovely and tender as we celebrated my grandma's life and laid her to rest. In honor of the day my sisters and I dressed in twinner outfits. My grandma loved to dress her daughter's and granddaughters in matching outfits.
My Grandma:
Our hearts are joyous for the life of Barbara Whitmore Harmon - a beautiful kind gracious mother went to dance with her Sweetheart in Heaven this afternoon. Funeral will be Saturday:) Thank U to everyone for your kindness! 3 weeks ago she was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer
My Aunt:
My sweet grandma died three weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was a vibrant lady. I will miss her and am proud to be part of her family.
The first of February my grandma Harmon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Three weeks later she died on Clay's birthday. She was 80 years old, but she was young. She was my grandma. It was sad and still is to know she's gone... Through her funeral though I saw what a difference one person can make on generations. She was a beautiful person who loved the gospel, her family and her dog. My sweet grandma had bought bracelets for her girls years ago. They were found and given to us at the viewing. I love them. It was a sad but beautiful day. Love you Grandma and Harmon family.
Some pictures:
Her 80th Birthday
My brothers 12th birthday
My other brother inheriting her husbands hat
We miss and love her so much!
