Barbara Ann (Graham) Wilder

Barbara Ann Wilder Burton, 85, passed away peacefully with family on May 15, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.  She was born on February 16, 1938, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to Willis Mack Graham and Allie lee (Buck) Graham.  She graduated from high school there and then began her adventures in California, where she met and married Richard V. Wilder.  Together they had six children.  Andy, Debi (Bruce), Brian (Dana), Wesley (deceased), Cory (Robyn) and Lynette (Greg). She was blessed to be the grandma to 11 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren and two Great Great Grandchildren.  Two additional Great Great Grandchildren are being rocked in heaven by her until they arrive here in June.  Ann worked for years in different fields, but retired from Clark County Courthouse in Vancouver, Washington. 

She found the love of her life at the age of 81 when she met Stephen Burton at Harrison Regent Senior Living. He was her friend and then her missionary who taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helped her be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They found joy and companionship in the last months of his life. They were joyfully married 19 months before Steve passed away with her by his side in March of 2020. Their love story has inspired so many to realize that there is no limit to love and companionship. To be with the one you love is the best way to spend your life, however long that may be.  They will be sealed in the Ogden Temple as soon as possible.  Also, with great joy, Ann accepted and brought into her new life Steve’s wonderful children and grandchildren. She loved them and they were so kind to visit and love her even after their dad passed away.  Her special bonus kids are Teri, Kevin, Jill (Deceased), Jennifer, Lacey and their spouses, kids, and grandkids.  They added so much to our mom’s life and she loved them so much. 

Ann loved to laugh and make others laugh. Even though she struggled during the last years of her life, she loved to crack jokes, giggle, sing off key and yodel. If she could ease someone else’s burden with laughter, she did. She was a wonderful cook and baker. No one made better cinnamon rolls than Ann. She also loved to travel and made several memories over the years traveling to exciting places.  

One of her greatest joys was her family. She held a close relationship with her siblings and their children. Sadly, out of 10 there are only two remaining. Her sister Ellen (Richard) Carter and Donnie “Joe” Graham. Our mom is preceded in death by our brother Wesley, her parents, siblings, her sweetheart Steve, and Jill. It must be such a joyful reunion with them.

As a family. We can’t begin to express our gratitude to the staff who feel like family at Lotus Park Assisted Living.  The love, care, friendship, tenderness, and laughter they gave our mom was something so rare.  Our mom loved each of them and they loved her. It wasn’t a job to them, they just simply loved and cared about her.  Also, we would love to express our love to Kristi Howe and Joy Duncan for the years they spent as our mom’s hospice nurses.  The level of love, care, and respect they gave every day amazes us.  These people who took care of our mom, all of them from the aids to the kitchen/custodial staff and administration have earned our deepest gratitude.  They have earned our love and respect for what they did for our sweet mom.

Also, thank you to all our mom’s sweet friends in and out of Lotus Park, these people became a family. They watch over and love each other.  Thank you for all the love and support you have had for our mom. She truly loved you.

Mom, you made it.  You fought with everything in you with courage, kindness, and humor.  You made your family proud, and I know the Savior welcomed you home knowing you were valiant until the end.  Enjoy your reward and the joy of the family that has been so eagerly waiting for you.  We will love you forever.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Warren Ward Chapel 856 N. 5900 W. A private family viewing will be held prior to the services. Interment Ogden City Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah

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