Patricia Ann Barton's Obituary
Patricia Ann Bradley Barton, 66, beloved, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away December 19, 2014 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born March 17, 1948 to Edythe Alice Yancey and John Neil Bradley in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Having been born on St. Patrick’s Day, Pat always loved the color green and was known by those who loved her as Clover Girl Pat. This is fitting as the four leaf clover represents luck and we were lucky to have known her in this life. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Barton, her kids, Alisa (Brian) Buxton, Paul and Amy Barton, Kirk Barton, Mason Barton, Jay and Shea Barton, Gina Barton, sister Joan (DJ) Simpson and her brothers Reed (Julia) Bradley, Mark (Jean) Bradley and Todd (Stacy) Bradley along with many nieces and nephews and 11 grandchildren: Amanda, Riley, Andrew, Samantha, Abigail, Adelynn, Emmett, Henry, Ashley, Cohen and Porter.
During her childhood, Pat enjoyed living in New Zealand and England while her father served missions for the LDS church. She returned to the USA to graduate from Idaho Falls High School and went on to obtain a social work degree at BYU.
Pat moved often during her childhood, 18 times in fact, before she graduated from high school. Pat remembers never going to bed until all the boxes were unpacked, curtains hung and everything was in its place. She was taught well by her parents to be thrifty, to use time well, be organized, clean and she learned the value of hard work. In England, Pat attended the Convent of Sacred Hearts and Perpetual Adoration, it was here that her testimony grew and solidified. The nuns were her teachers and their philosophies and teachings are what led her to ask questions to her dad helping her develop her testimony of the LDS faith. While at BYU, Pat met her husband of 43 years, Cliff Bruce Barton of Provo, Utah and were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They have called Layton home for 38 years and it is here that they raised their 6 fantastic children. After graduation, Pat worked for LDS services and adoptions until her first child Alisa was one years old. She then became what she wanted most to be: a stay at home mom.
While in their first years of marriage, Pat and Bruce lived in Provo while Bruce finished his education and Alisa, Paul and Kirk were born. After Bruce graduated they moved to Layton, Utah where Bruce worked for the city of Layton as the city attorney and later city manager. Time for Pat was filled with 3 more children, Mason, Jay and Gina. It was here that Pat enjoyed serving in many LDS Ward and Stake callings including stake primary president, stake relief society presidency, ward relief society president and young women’s president. Of all the callings she accepted, she felt the one she enjoyed the best was activity days teacher to the young girls. Her life was filled with charity, always loving and serving others and providing a listening ear to anyone who needed it. As indicated by the many people who visited her in her last days, Pat’s influence was widely felt.
Pat enjoyed her book club that met faithfully for 35 years and having read more than 420 books, she would say her favorite book was Atlas Shrugged. Pat and Bruce also belonged to a gospel study group for many years.
Some of Pat’s simple pleasures were reading a good book, soaking in the jacuzzi on a starry night, reading the paper, frozen Jr Mints, a walk around the block or beach, and a good chocolate chip cookie. She loved to travel with her husband and her favorite place she visited was the Holy Land. Pat enjoyed both teaching and attending Institute and marriage classes, and learning and discussing the scriptures. Pat had a talent with words as shown by several poems she wrote over the years and her weekly “momversations” to her children.
She unselfishly served her children and taught them by word and example. She memorized scriptures, poems and silly songs that she would often recite to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and writing and even held cooking classes for the neighborhood children. She can also be credited for helping her children receive 2 young women medallions and 4 eagle scout awards. Her countenance radiated goodness and light that drew friends, family and even strangers to her listening ear. Her appreciation for the beautiful things of this earth helped her create a heavenly home filled with unconditional love for her family and friends. She was the heart of the home and her legacy will continue to live on for generations in the lives of those who were influenced by knowing Pat. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at the Layton Northridge Stake Center located at 2375 East 3225 North, Layton, UT 84040. Family and friends may call at the church from 9:30-10:40 am prior to services. A viewing will also be held Monday, December 22, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the same church. Interment, Bountiful cemetery, Bountiful, Utah. Condolences may be sent to [email protected].
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