Barbara Alice (Baker) Porter

1934 – 2022

Barbara Alice Baker Porter, passed away in her home on January 15, 2022 at the age of 87, while holding the hands of her husband of 68 years.  Barbara was born on April 3, 1934 in Ogden, Utah to Merrill Evan Baker and Alice Aleta Garrison.   She was the oldest of four children.

Barbara grew up in Ogden, Utah. She attended Ogden High School, and Utah State University for a year, and was a straight A student.  She loved having friends, and her home was the hang-out house for teenagers.  It was there that she caught the eye of Douglas Porter, the love of her life.  Doug and Barbara would sometimes go on walks and Doug would carry a pair of scissors and cut a flower or two from each yard while they were walking.  By the time they got done with their walk, Barbara had quite a nice bouquet of flowers.

Barbara and Doug were married in the Logan Temple on May 21, 1953 and were married for time and all eternity.  They were both 19 years old.  After just 13 months of marriage, Doug was called on a mission, and for two years, Barbara worked at two different jobs to support his service.

Barbara was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various leadership callings throughout her life in YW and Relief Society.  She taught gospel doctrine in the Lakeview Ward for about 15 years.  She loved studying the gospel and learning all she could about the Savior and his teachings.  Her six children often woke up to the sound of their mother practicing her Sunday lessons.  Barbara would often tell her children that if these walls could talk, they could share some incredible sermons. Probably the pinnacle of her joy in church service came when she and her full-time companion were able to serve 2 missions; One in Louisville Kentucky, and the other in Utica, New York.

Barbara was an avid reader, she loved doing crossword puzzles daily.  She wrote poetry from a very young age. One of which is printed on the program. Barbara had a quick wit and an entertaining personality.  She was often asked to give book reviews of the author and humorist, Erma Bombeck. She had a special knack for making people laugh. She was also an award-winning knitter, coming away with many blue ribbons at the State Fair.  If she got second, it was often because she also won first. She even had one of her patterns bought by, and printed in, a popular magazine. But in life, she loved nothing more, and took so much pride in her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.  She somehow managed to think about, worry about, and cheer on, each and every one of us, every single day.  She loved family and had a very special relationship with her sister Bonnie, who was truly her lifelong best friend.   

Barbara had an amazing ability to have people come to her.  She was a listening ear and gave great advice.  We all benefited from that. Not only did people like her, they loved her.  We often hear from people who have shared, that when they needed advice, they would seek her out. 

Over the years, Doug and Barbara had their fair share of trials.  She faced them valiantly because she had full faith in her Heavenly Father and the Savior, Jesus Christ. Her absolutely unwavering faith will always be an inspiration to all of us who have had the privilege of being taught by her. 

Although we all wonder how we will manage this life without her, we take great comfort in knowing that she is waiting for us, still cheering us on, and she has been reunited with her loved ones who greeted her home. 

She was preceded in death by her brother, Keith Baker.  She is survived by her brother, Dale Rond (Joan), her sister, Bonnie Harris (Bob), her husband, Douglas Porter, her children: Douglas Porter Jr (Ranae), Patti Taggart (Keith), David Porter (Mary), Jeff Porter (Roxanne), Penny Duran (Kelly Mannix), Kellee Belnap (Darin), and 23 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, please give your mom/wife a big hug, or someone who is like a mother to you.  And tell them how much you love them. 

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at McKay Dee Hospital who assisted in her care, and specifically Dr. Hill, the staff at Stonehenge of Ogden, and to Independent Home Health and Hospice, specifically Maria who was our angel who got mom home and helped care for her.

MASKED ARE REQUIRED 

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