Private family services will be held; a webcast of those services will be available on Friday, June 12, 2020 starting at 11:00 a.m. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.walkersanderson.com __________________________________ Elaine Katherine Barton passed away peacefully in her home in Orem, Utah, on June 3, 2020. Elaine was born in New York City on September 22, 1937 to Hortense and Elmer Davis. She grew up in Los Angeles, California, where as a high school senior she met her sweetheart, Garold Clifton Barton. Elaine and Gary corresponded for the entirety of his LDS mission in Argentina/Chile, and were married in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on January 24, 1959. Over the course of her life, Elaine was a constant example of patience, understanding, and benevolence. Her steadfast testimony in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ enriched all aspects of her life, and her deep love for and commitment to her family was evident to all who knew her. Elaine and Gary's marriage was the start of a remarkable adventure: Together, they raised 11 wonderful children and supported each other through 61 years of marriage. Elaine's devotion as a wife and mother is a hallmark of her extraordinary legacy. She made a point of surrounding herself with family, and used her talents to enrich the lives of those around her. She was a loyal daughter and daughter-in-law, a compassionate companion and mother, and an open-minded listener. She had a big, genuine smile that could light up a room. She encouraged humor, practiced selflessness, and was consistently focused on what mattered most in life. She had a number of hobbies, including crafting, reading, and studying the gospel. She also played a mean game of Scrabble and loved crossword puzzles. Over the course of her life and marriage, she kept a close record of life's events and experiences—these journals are a testament to her skill and accomplishments as a writer. Elaine was known amongst family and friends as a "party animal." She loved entertaining, hosting family get-togethers, and spending time with her grandchildren. As a result, the large Barton extended family enjoyed a special closeness. Many evenings were spent eating, laughing, and playing together. Family reunions in Idaho, white elephant parties, and backyard barbecues were regular favorites. No matter the circumstances, Elaine and Gary's home was a warm place of welcome where everyone was accepted and appreciated. It was not unusual for family gatherings to include loved ones not related by blood, and sometimes even to include strangers in need of a helping hand. Elaine and Gary both actively sought opportunities to help others at every stage of their marriage. Elaine served in many church callings, and she and Gary served an LDS mission on the Navajo Reservation. Together, they were constantly seeking opportunities to ease others' burdens. Despite life's setbacks and the challenges of raising 11 children, Elaine was uniquely nonjudgmental and optimistic. She approached life with unrivaled positivity, always coming back to her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5–6, in times of trouble. Elaine had a master talent for recognizing the divine potential in every person she encountered, and she treated everyone in her life accordingly. In all ways possible, Elaine was a woman without guile. In fact, it is difficult to imagine Elaine saying anything negative about anyone—it was not in her nature to criticize others, or to agonize over things outside her control. In all aspects of her life, she trusted God and "leaned not unto [her] own understanding." She will always exist in our hearts as an enduring example of unconditional love and faith in God's plan. Elaine is survived by her husband, Gary, four sons and seven daughters, Eric Barton (Terri), Tyler Barton (Sharee), Gary Barton Jr. (Jennifer), Darla Lambson (Jeff), Valeri Tate (Randy), Lara Rogers (Doug), Carinne Edwards (Gavin), Spencer Barton, Natali Hatfield (Lanny) Merilee Sorensen (Andrew), and Darci Barton (Hannah). She has 43 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, with five on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Joann Kirby. Due to the corona-virus, a viewing will be held by invitation on Thursday, June 11th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home in Orem. Funeral services will be limited to family members, and will take place at the same location at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12th. A family prayer will take place at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery. Private family services will be held; a webcast of those services will be available on Friday, June 12, 2020 starting at 11:00 a.m. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.walkersanderson.com