Linda Alder Barker

Our beloved wife, mother, Mom 2, Grams, and friend returned to her Father in Heaven on March 13, 2025, after bravely enduring a long health battle. Linda Alder Barker was born a three-pound preemie on January 29, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her loving parents, Florence and George, took her home from the hospital in a shoebox and used a dresser drawer for a crib. Although she was 10 years younger than her closest sibling, she created a strong and loving bond with her family. She physically cared for her parents and multiple siblings until their passing.

Linda graduated from Bountiful High School in 1969 and earned a nursing degree from Utah Tech College in 1973. From a young age, Linda knew her life’s calling was to become a nurse. She worked at Holy Cross Hospital for 2 years, and then spent many years at the VA Hospital doing clinical work in the Neurosurgery and Urology Clinic where she gained a profound appreciation and love for “her Veterans.” She later moved to the University of Utah Hospital as the Rheumatology Research Project Coordinator where she traveled the country working on a rheumatoid arthritis study. She finished her career on the rating board at the Salt Lake City Veteran's Affairs Regional Office. She was committed to helping Veterans receive the compensation they deserved for service connected disabilities. She also created classes to educate her coworkers on different disabilities so they could better provide assistance with the Veterans' applications. Linda rendered nursing services for a total of 38 years. The lives of her patients were forever changed because of the devoted care she always gave them.

Linda reveled in motherhood and doted on her two living children: Sharlie and J.R. She looked forward to the day she would be reunited with her firstborn Ashley—who passed away at 4 days old due to a heart defect. Linda supported her children’s interests, taught them the lyrics to her favorite Broadway musicals, was always ready with a big hug, supplied them with her favorite cinnamon and chocolate treats, and looked forward to their Spring Break trips to Mexico.

Linda was gifted with an angelic soprano voice and had a deep appreciation for classical music. She was creative in all her pursuits, and mastered the art of black and white interior design. She also took up karate with her kids. She loved her friends fiercely and often showed her devotion by sharing gifts and hand written notes. She said, "I was taught a life lesson of giving my fine and precious-to-me objects to the ones I loved while I was alive.” Many of her friends and family benefited from her generosity. Linda was passionate about fashion and was never found without her lipstick, signature black clothing, and sterling silver accessories. Linda loved Jesus and cherished her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 2007 Linda met the love of her life, George Barker. Their love has taken them on adventures to Germany, outdoor music and plays at the Deer Valley Amphitheater, and Cowboy Poetry performances. She has perfectly melded her modern aesthetic with George’s western ways. More importantly, she found a love so deep it has buoyed them both up during sickness and health.

Linda is survived by her husband George, her children Sharlie (Andy) & JR (Nancy), and her grandchildren: Tavin, Zaide, Bexley, Axton, & Archer. She also leaves behind her cherished step-children: Jeremy (Shannon), Celene (Brandon), Cassie (Noah), Sarah (Aaron), & Dalina (Mike) and their 19 amazing children and 3 great grandchildren who love their “Grams.”

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the LDS Church located at 3267 West 700 South, Syracuse, Utah, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Linda will be laid to rest following the service at Memorial Lakeview Mortuary & Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful. 

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