Barbara Deloris Rowland

Barbara Deloris Hodges Rowland, 82, died December 10, 2022 on her father’s birthday. Born February 3, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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She married “the one her soul loves”, Stephen Charles Rowland on October 17, 1960. They lived in Oceanside, California for two years while Steve served in the United States Marine Corps. Barbara loved the lemon trees in their backyard.

They moved back to Utah in 1962 where she lived out the remainder of her years. They soon welcomed two children into the world, Crystal Lanette (Patrick Guy) and Stephen Michael. Her children gifted her with grandchildren that she loved dearly, Shantell (Jake Rolfe), Alex (Miriam Craner), Ashley (Christopher Colton), Heather (Kajetan Kasprzak), and one great grandchild, Otis.

She is survived by her siblings, Carl Hodges (Vicky), Gay Hodges, Richard Hodges, Sandi Welch (Bob), and Kelli Hodges.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore James Hodges and Phyllis Mae Valdez Hodges, brother Ted Hodges, and granddaughter Samantha Kilburn.

The only thing she loved more than her close knit family was her garden. Even though she was allergic to the sun, she embodied sunlight in every way. Everyone was touched by her light.

Barbara was a lifelong philanthropist, receiving many awards and accolades over the years. Most recently she was the recipient of Humanitarian of the Year through the Good Sams Ute Salt Shakers camping club. She spent over 50 years as an active member of the Independent Order of Foresters, where she served most of this time as a leader and officer in her local and regional branches. Foresters is a family fraternal organization concentrating on Community Service.

Her entire family has followed in her footsteps through life and will continue to serve in her honor. Throughout her life Barbara worked a variety of jobs, including working with the NAACP, Hercules, and Granite School District, where she continued her love of helping people.

Barbara was always planning our next event, usually a campout in the RV, a backyard holiday party, or a social gathering of some sort. She was most recently described as magnetic. She always gathered friends and added them to our family tree. She welcomed everyone with open arms and never left you without feeling more loved than when you arrived. She collected spoons from hers and others adventures, feeding your soul one story at a time.

Barbara crocheted in the evenings, keeping her fingers busy making blankets for family or scarves, hats, and gloves for the homeless. She would do anything for anyone if they asked, “For a Quarter!”

In lieu of a service her family will have a backyard BBQ this spring when her glorious garden is in full bloom. Until then, please plant something to remind you of her, to bring a little sunlight into your world.