Barbara Jenene Taylor Garcia Mullins

One “tough broad,” Barbara Jenene Taylor Garcia Mullins passed away suddenly Thursday, June 17, 2021, of cardiac arrest as she was being prepared to have hip surgery at the University of Utah Hospital. She was 76 years old. A fighter through and through, Barbara was a loving, strong-willed (some may say stubborn), adventurous, nurturing woman, and downright tough. All these qualities, and many more, helped her overcome the challenges in her life.

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Barbara Jenene was born February 26, 1945, in Myton, Utah to Leonard Guy and Jennie Herring Taylor. Jennie was a young widow with a small daughter, Owena Louise Morrell, and together Jennie and Leonard gave Owena seven sisters and three brothers. Barbara Jenene - as she was known to her Basin family - was the second youngest of the children and was proud to come from such a large family. Barbara Jenene loved telling stories about growing up in Myton with all her brothers and sisters; Owena Louise, Lillie Mae, Ladonna Jean, Elizabeth Joe Ann, Guyla Rae, Jennie Lurrine, John Leonard, Ken L., Edward Allen, and Glenda Lou.

Sadly, Barbara Jenene only knew her father nine years before he passed away. Jennie was left to raise her younger children by herself until her own passing five years later. Being a 14-year-old without parents had its challenges - Barbara Jenene lived with numerous family members for a period then entered foster care.

At 17 years old, Barbara Jenene found herself in Salt Lake City where she began going by “Barbara” and met Fred Garcia. They married on December 14, 1962, and moved to West Jordan. In 1963, the young couple welcomed their first child, Tammie Jean. In 1965, their family grew with the addition of Debbie Helen and six years later with the birth of son Fred Joseph Jr. Though divorce is never easy, Barbara and Fred Sr. demonstrated respect for one another and remained strong parental figures for their children.

On June 23, 1973, Barbara married Gary R. Mullins, and together they moved to Granger, Utah. When they married, she became a member of a large extended Mullins family. In 1977, they welcomed a son, Jeremias Brian. Barbara and Gary enjoyed outdoor recreation in the Basin area - camping, fishing, and hunting. Cherished lifelong memories were created during family adventures out on their pontoon or in their trailer. Both Barbara and Gary were great cooks, they were known for delicious backyard barbecues and camping parties.

Later years brought difficult times to Barbara and Gary in Salt Lake, so they decided to move to their Duchesne property, remodeling their Basin home. They always took great pride in being grandparents and enjoyed helping raise their grandson, Dakota. Barbara became his second mom and the two were especially close. As Gary's health declined, Barb was Gary’s champion, and Dakota was always by their side ready to help. At the time of her passing, Barbara and Gary were less than a week away from celebrating their 48th anniversary.

Barbara had a great appreciation for Country-Western music. She loved Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and especially Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” She shared this love with her children taking her young daughters to their first concerts to hear Charlie Pride then Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. Barbara enjoyed watching Perry Mason, crime shows, and old westerns. She drank black coffee morning, noon, and night and always had several word search books within reach. She was a particularly skilled artist. Before her hands began to ache, she was a wonderful crocheter and was proud to have won a sewing award as a young girl. The Utah Jazz had a true fan in Barb; she always looked forward to their games and supported them throughout the years, win or lose. Barb had a green thumb and loved to garden. Her garden was always a source of joy, trial, and accomplishment. Many of her talents and interests have been passed down to her offspring and we are proud to pass them on to our family in her honor.

A strong woman, Barbara stood up for underdogs and was there for friends and family in their time of need. She truly loved her pets, but it was nothing compared to the love and devotion she felt for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Barbara loved all children and they loved her - she was everyone’s “Grandma Barbara.” She enjoyed babysitting and would tell anyone who would listen about all of her grandchildren’s trials and accomplishments.

A beautiful woman, Barbara Jenene was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, and friend. She loved hard and played hard. When she was your friend, you considered yourself lucky.

Barbara is survived by her husband Gary R. Mullins; her children, Tammie Garcia Cleverly (Jeff Leos), Debbie Helen Garcia Blatt (Ray), Fred Garcia Jr. (Maria Hadnot), and Jeremias Brian Mullins (Amanda). Grandchildren: McKenzie Jenene Blatt, Alexandrea R. Blatt Purcell (Trace), Victoria R. Garcia, Cody J. Blatt (Dani), Stockton Taylor Cleverly, Dakota M. Mullins, Sloan Maria Cleverly, Joseph Mullins, Amiyah L. Garcia, and Guyel A. Garcia. And 12 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her son-in-law, Greg N. Cleverly.

She was proud of her large Taylor family and survived by siblings, Donna Taylor Thompson, Joe Ann Taylor Summerall, Ken L. Taylor, Glenda Lou Taylor Perea. And many nieces, nephews, and dear friends mom claimed as family.

Mullins family members include Gary’s children Gary Roger Jr. (Linda), Tammy Lee, Penny (deceased); grandchildren, brother Ron (Seneva), and many Mullins family members.

Preceded in death by in-laws Bob, Betty Sue, and Pete Mullins.

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 4th Ward, 901 North 500 East, Duchesne Utah. A light luncheon will follow.