May 29, 1928 – Oct. 14. 2018
Margaret Ann Russell Barton passed away at home on Oct. 14, 2018, at the age of 90.
She was born in the “pretty little town” of Orderville, Utah, May 29, 1928, to Minnie Carroll and Eugene Russell. She grew up on Sand Street where she had many treasured friends and memories. She loved Valley High School and was actively involved as a student body officer, drum major and was the valedictorian of her class.
After graduation she moved to St. George to attend Dixie College. She married Junius K Barton in the St. George Temple in 1947. They are the parents of five children: Karen (Dean) Losee, Carol Ann (Larry) Gardner, Russell (Debra) Barton, Karma Jean (Sheldon) Wittwer, and Wyone (Allen) Orchard.
June and Margaret Ann’s home was filled with love and kindness. They included their children in the operation of Barton’s Laundromat and taught them the principles of service, hard work and provident living. She led by example. Margaret Ann was an excellent cook and a meticulous seamstress. Her early mornings were spent outside keeping up her yard, raising beautiful flowers, weeding the garden and “ministering” to her neighbors. She loved to eat Orderville apples and dine on Pine Valley potatoes.
Margaret Ann returned to Dixie College in her 50s to enhance her artistic abilities in oil painting, water color and other mediums. She has painted many masterpieces that her children, grandchildren and others will cherish for generations to come. Margaret Ann has always had an ability to add a touch of beauty and positivity to her surroundings.
She loved home, but also loved to travel to see the beautiful places of the world. Other interests included quilting, service, family history and collecting and writing many wonderful stories about her life and the lives of others.
Margaret Ann was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved the Lord and had a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. She willingly served wherever and whenever she was asked and was an extraordinary leader. She served multiple times in the Primary, Young Women’s and Relief Society presidencies, both ward and stake, and was always a faithful visiting teacher.
Whatever callings she held, she fulfilled with dedication, enthusiasm and love for the people she served. June and Margaret Ann served a mission in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission, which she dearly loved and often reflected on. Later they served a local mission at the St. George Tabernacle.
Of her many blessings and accomplishments, she was most proud of her five children, 27 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She left a legacy of love. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Ona Crofts, Gene Russell, Lenore Heaton; and many in-laws and cousins.
The way she lived her last days was a shining example of how to endure the challenges of age with quiet dignity, patience and a grateful heart.
Funeral services
- Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m., in the Bluff Street Stake Center, 541 W. 500 North Bluff St., St. George, Utah.
- Visitations will be held Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m., at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., and on Thursday, prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the stake center.
- Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.
For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.