Barbara Gail Wilkinson

April 8, 1943 – July 23, 2026

In the early morning hours of July 23, 2026, our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at her home.

Barbara Gail Wilkinson was born on April 8, 1943, in Livingston, Montana. She was the third of four children born to James Lawson and Genith Harriet Copenhaver. In 1964, Barbara married the love of her life, John Charles Wilkinson, in the Masonic Temple in Livingston. They built their life together in Provo Ut where together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family, creating a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy that will live on for generations.

Throughout her life, Barbara wore many hats and made countless lifelong friends while working for Signetics, Roto-Rooter, Sprouse-Reitz, and Kmart. Yet the role she treasured most was that of wife and mother. She taught her family the true meaning of unconditional love, forgiveness, compassion, and gratitude. These gifts will remain with us always, and for them we will be forever grateful.

Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, illnesses that slowly took their toll on her memory and daily life. Our family is especially grateful to her daughter, Jamie, and son-in-law, Stephen, who lovingly moved into Barbara and John's home to provide the devoted care and support they both needed during this difficult journey.

When Barbara entered the care of Cascade Springs Hospice, she was surrounded by an exceptional team of compassionate caregivers. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to her nurses, Kevy and Brooke; her social worker, Angie; her shower aide, Emily; her music therapist, Mandy; her chaplain, Roberta; and her case manager, Hillary. Your kindness, compassion, and dedication brought comfort not only to Barbara but to our entire family.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, John Wilkinson; her children, Jill (Scott) McCamey, Pam (Steve) Pearson, Jamie (Stephen) Wanberg, Jed (Jennifer) Wilkinson, and Joshua Wilkinson; her sisters, Rose (Ken) Spaulding and Marta Leavenworth; and her sister-in-law, Gay Copenhaver.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Randy Wilkinson; her brother, James "Bucky" Copenhaver; her parents, James and Genith Copenhaver; her parents-in-law, Lyle and Mary Wilkinson; and many other loved ones who welcomed her home to heaven.

Barbara's greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 19 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, each of whom was blessed by her love, encouragement, and gentle spirit.

Although our hearts are heavy with loss, we find peace in knowing that Barbara's love continues through the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Funeral Services

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Barbara's life.

A viewing will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 85 E. 300 South, Provo, Utah.

A second viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 715 S. Utah Avenue, Provo, Utah. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at the Provo City Cemetery.

The Wilkinson family extends their sincere gratitude to all who have offered their love, prayers, and support during this time. Your kindness has been a source of strength and comfort, and it will always be remembered.