Irminia Perez Gould Barker, affectionately known as Amy, age 62, passed away peacefully at Timpanogos Hospital on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, aunt, friend, and neighbor. Her life was filled with love, and she was cherished by all who knew her.
Born in Tonopah, Nevada, on September 10, 1962, to Bruce Donald Gould and Julia Perez Perez Gonzalez Rodriguez, Amy graduated from Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, in 1981. She proudly served her country for over 31 years, starting her career as a chaplain assistant. Amy's dedication, compassion, and commitment to service were evident throughout her career, which included three years stationed in Germany and active participation on the front lines during Desert Storm. She retired as a Sergeant First Class on March 10, 2022.
A proud graduate of Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and an emphasis in Spanish, Amy also earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Her thirst for knowledge and lifelong commitment to growth exemplified the values she lived by.
Amy was first married to Eric Riggs. She divorced and later married the love of her life, Jon Harris Barker on August 11, 1990, and lovingly supported Jon’s three children as her own.
In 2011, Amy was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She faced this diagnosis with remarkable courage, strength, and grace, battling the disease with an unwavering determination that inspired all who witnessed her resilience. Though this illness ultimately claimed her life, her enduring strength and indomitable spirit remain a testament to her fierce will.
Amy’s fight against cancer was not a single battle, but a series of relentless challenges. She faced this disease not once, but three times, each new diagnosis met with the same steadfast resolve and a positive determination to overcome it. True to her nature as a soldier, she never wavered in her commitment to live life to the fullest. Her love for life and her incredible strength saw her through thick and thin.
In January 2023, when faced with yet another diagnosis, Amy once again endured chemotherapy, giving it everything she had in the hope of triumphing over this battle. Ultimately, it was a blood clot, caused by the cancer, that led to cardiac arrest and claimed her life. However, her legacy of courage, perseverance, and strength will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Amy is survived by her sisters, Susan Perez Montgomery, and spouse Robert Scott Montgomery, Marisa Perez Gould, and spouse Feli Extremera Extremera; her mother, Julia Perez Gould; her aunt Sharon; four nieces, three nephews, ten great nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Moxie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jon Harris Barker; her father, Bruce Donald Gould; and her loyal dog, Georgie.
Amy’s life was defined by her boundless compassion, unwavering strength, and deep faith. Her legacy of love, service, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM with a viewing starting at 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM at Mountain View Memorial Estates in Cottonwood Heights. Following will be the interment at 3:15 PM in the Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.
While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman whose kindness, courage, and selflessness left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.