Barbara Davis Ralphs

Barbara Barton Davis Ralphs was born in Salt Lake City on September 30, 1918 to Charles Leonard Davis and Evelyn Barton. She lived her life within a four-block radius attending Douglas Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, East High School, and the University of Utah.

She married the love of her life George Albert Ralphs (Bud) on January 9, 1942 and promptly sent him off to fight in WWII for four years. Barbara worked as an administrative assistant at the University of Utah for most of her adult life in the College of Nursing and the Music Department with Dr. Ed Thompson. She retired at the age of 84.

She became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints two weeks before her 100th birthday and was sealed to her family shortly thereafter. Barbara was brilliant, hardworking, capable, stubborn, and altogether an amazing person. To quote a dear friend “The intelligence, style, and grace quotient of Heaven just went up a few notches”. Despite many struggles in her life she was always totally grateful for everything she had, most especially her family. She is the epitome of a life well lived. She lived independently in her own home until her last few months. We are immeasurably grateful to her loving caregivers Deb, Kimberly, Liz, Ondina and Jose.

She is survived by her children Virginia (Ginny) and Jesse Fox, Sally and Ron Larkin, and George and Laurie Ralphs. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren She is preceded in death by just about everyone she knew.

Barbara was always giving to others so in lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity. Or better yet, bake a loaf of banana bread and take it to someone who is feeling low.