Ann W. Barker (Sara Ann Workman) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and loved ones on May 5th, 2021. She was born September 29th, 1934, in Ogden, Utah to Bud William Workman and Bessie Manning. Coming from a highly musical family, she showed a remarkable gift for music at an early age.
As a teenager, she held several jobs where she learned organization and typing skills. Ann absolutely loved music and had a beautiful mezzo soprano voice. She performed in several recitals and had solos in “The Messiah”, and other performances, which were gifts to all.
Ann met her sweet-heart, LeRoy Barker, at a dance at Utah State University, where they were both attending school. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, August 31st, 1956. Ann and LeRoy had five wonderful children: Mike, Dennis, LeAnn, Nanette, and Amy. Ann worked diligently to raise her family, fulfill her church responsibilities, and pursue her musical talents. Throughout Ann’s life, she made dear life-long friends.
After LeRoy completed graduate school they moved to California, where LeRoy was a professor at Chico State University. In 1968, Ann and LeRoy took their young family to Nigeria, Africa, where LeRoy taught at a University and served as a plant breeder. Ann was a strong and determined lady, that not only took care of her own family, but also worked with a group of local women from the University to help children and families in the community. After a few years, they moved back to Chico, California.
As Ann raised her family, she enjoyed doing many things with them, such as taking her children to activities, camping, having BBQs, gardening, having dinner parties, gathering around the piano and singing, attending sporting events and concerts, family reunions, and ward campouts.
Ann continued her musical education in voice, organ and guitar. She had many opportunities to sing and perform, and write short musical numbers and roadshows. Ann encouraged education and music in her children and others. Throughout her life, she loved to learn, read and write short stories. The Young Women’s program was blessed to have her, for she dearly loved the young women and encouraged them with her gentle spirit and compassion.
After retirement, Ann and LeRoy moved in 1992 to Meridian, Idaho. Ann and LeRoy cherished serving as Ordinance Workers at the Boise Temple. She and LeRoy had a cabin built in Garden Valley where they had family reunions and get-togethers, and also enjoyed going to the Starlight Theatre. Ann was a proud member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and was always a part of their leadership.
Ann dearly loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and close friends to various places throughout the world. Ann’s wonderful sister Marvel and her family lived close by. Coming from a large family, Ann and her cousins continued to have fun-filled gatherings.
Her family and friends enjoyed her wonderful keen sense of humor and quick wit. She was a gracious lady with a sweet spirit, and was very engaging. Ann was and is – dearly loved by so many. Our family’s home was always blessed with music, and her example of her love of Christ and Heavenly Father. Ann lived her life with a beautiful song of faith and love in her heart.