Barbara Coward

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Barbara Coward, 93, a lifetime resident of Bingham Canyon, Utah, returned to her Savior on April 15, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born in Copperfield, Utah on November 30, 1931, to John “Bob” and Sarah (nee Kirby) Coward. She attended Bingham High School when it was in Copperton, graduating with the Class of 1949. She began her professional career in the summer of 1950, as a Teller at Utah Copper Employees Credit Union, later becoming the President before leaving in 2003.

Barbara was part of the Bingham Canyon community her entire life and adored the town, her family and friends, and her church community. A devoted member of St Paul United Methodist Church, Barbara served as the pianist for worship and special services for most of her life; she also led projects and took part in fund-raisers to benefit the growth of the church. Together with her late sister Betty, they lovingly prepared the sanctuary each week for worship services.

Our beloved Barb embodied the best of qualities: a fervent faith in God, unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity for others. Barbara cherished every gathering with family and friends, especially those filled with laughter and sweet treats. Her creativity shone through in her pursuits. She loved music, often playing the piano alongside her brother Ronnie on the organ. As a young girl, Barbara studied ballet, her dedication and grace earning her the coveted pointe shoes -- a symbol of strength and artistry. Those satin slippers marked the beginning of a magical journey that demanded resilience, precision, and heart. That moment became a lifelong source of pride, a quiet reminder that she was skilled, and disciplined enough to rise, quite literally, on the tips of her toes and dance her dreams. Throughout her life, she lovingly knitted countless infant booties and caps for charitable causes – and if you asked, she’d happily create a blanket for you or tackle any intriguing pattern. Barbara delighted in giving thoughtful gifts and special treats to the people she interacted with in her life. As a true Englishwoman, Barbara enjoyed reading the newspaper in their delightful garden with her canine companions at her feet. She enjoyed flowers of all kinds and displayed something beautiful from every season, even if only on the kitchen windowsill. Barbara never had the luxury of an automatic dishwasher and actually enjoyed emptying a sink of dirty dishes by hand; she would often ask for a dishtowel and chat away in warm conversation while you washed. She had a generous spirit and a happy heart.

Barbara will be remembered for her intelligence, patience, easy laugh, and the kind, generous heart she shared so freely with others. She genuinely loved her friends and family and cared for so many – and if you knew her, you felt it. Barbara carried herself with dignity, strength, and joy. Her presence will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Glenice Coward, nephew Cory (Karyn) Coward, and niece Kimberly Coward; her great-nephew Collin (Jessica) Albert, great-niece Kaitlynn Coward and great-nephew Zacory Coward. She was predeceased by her parents, “Bob” and Sarah Coward, who both passed away in the late 1960s; her sister, Betty Coward; and her brothers, Robert 'Robin' Coward, and Ronald Coward, who each passed away within 12 months of one another in 2015 and 2016.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St Paul United Methodist Church, 8601 W. Hillcrest Street, Copperton, Utah 84006. Friends and loved ones may call at the church from 10:00-11:00 AM prior to the service.

Barbara’s care has been entrusted to Goff Mortuary of Midvale, UT.