Holly Ann Simpson Barney, aged 77, of Mapleton, UT, passed away at home on April 27, 2022 surrounded by her family after a life full of service, sacrifice, and love for her Savior, her family and her many friends. She was born in Milford, CT, on March 11, 1945, to Arthur Forrest Simpson and Margaret Isobel MacIsaac.
She grew up in Milford, CT, and graduated from Jonathan Law High School in 1963. She was very active during her school years and involved in many activities and social events. She was a cheerleader for 2 years and president of the dance club. Her senior year book said of her: “School spirit, personality and host of friends, Holly’s responsibility never ends.” Friends of Holly will know that this was remained true of her throughout her life.
Holly joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1960 after two sister missionaries knocked on the door of their home. Ultimately, her mother, both of her sisters, Wendy and Jane, and one of her brothers, Robert, were baptized.
Her desire was to attend Brigham Young University and obtain her degree in Education and so she moved to Provo, UT, shortly after graduating from high school with her best friend Barbara. Before leaving home , she became acquainted with an LDS missionary from Salem, UT, named Milo Barney who served in her ward. While at BYU, she heard he was returning home and arranged to meet him. Their first date was on December 7, 1963.
Their courtship was unusual as Milo was attending Snow College while Holly was at BYU. He proposed on March 27, 2964 at his parents’ home in Salem, UT. They were married on September 5, 1964, at the LDS Church in Trumbull, CT, after obtaining permission from President David O. McKay to have separate civil and sealing ceremonies. They were then sealed for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on September 11, 1964.
They spent their first 3 years of marriage at BYU while Milo completed his degree. Their first child, Bret, was born while still at BYU. Upon graduation, they moved first to Idaho City, ID, and then Ely, NV, where Milo worked for the Forest Service. While in Ely, their first daughter, Lisa, was born.
The family returned to BYU in 1970 so Milo could complete a Masters. They built a home in Mapleton in 1974 where they have resided ever since. After graduation, Milo worked for the Utah Department of Natural Resources for the next 31 years. In Mapleton, 5 other children joined the family: Shane, Kristine, Jessica, Jonathan, and David. When her children were grown, Holly began working at Beehive Clothing first in Orem and then at BYU where she worked until 2007.
Milo and Holly were active in church callings with Holly serving twice at Relief Society President in addition to many other callings including visiting teacher and primary teacher. She supported Milo as he served twice as Bishop and on the Stake High Council. They twice served full-time missions first in the Denver South Mission and again at Service Missionaries working with young single adults in Mapleton and Springville. Holly was also active in the community serving on the Mapleton Senior Citizens Committee for seven years.
Holly’s life was one of service to family and others. She is remembered for her many acts of kindness whether it was making mints for a wedding or simply providing an ear to listen. She made friends everywhere she went. Her devotion and caring are known by the many friends who received post cards from her every time she travelled.
Holly was preceded in death by two of her children, David and Jessica, both of her parents and her sister Jayne. She is survived by her husband, her sister Wendy and brothers Robert and Arthur, 5 of her children, 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the LDS Church in her name to honor her life of service.
To view the service remotely, go to Spring Creek Mortuary Facebook page.
To leave condolences for Holly’s family, visit www.springcreekmortuary.com
