Donna Valine Aardema Barker

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Valine Aardema Barker on July 13, 2024. Donna was born to goodly parents, Paul and Valine Aardema, on September 26, 1935. She spent most of her life in Ogden, Utah. She lived a rich and fulfilling life characterized by love, dedication, and service to her family and community.

Donna was the beloved wife of the late Franklin Dee Cragun Barker, who passed away on April 28, 2014. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 13, 1954. Their marriage of over 59 years was a testament to their enduring love and partnership. Together, they built a life filled with cherished memories, love, and mutual respect. Since Dee’s passing in 2014, she longed to be reunited with him. Her children include Debbie (Curt) Keller, Mike Barker, John (Jeanine) Barker, Doug (Jill) Barker, Steve (Becky) Barker, Scott (Sayonara) Barker, Brent (DeAnn) Barker, and Daniel Barker.

She lived a life overflowing with service and devotion, with her family and her church at its heart. As a devoted mother, her greatest joy was raising her children to be kind, compassionate individuals. Her love and dedication grew even deeper with the birth of her youngest son, Daniel. His untimely passing broke her heart, yet she found strength in her faith and continued to honor his memory through her acts of kindness. Donna's selflessness extended far beyond her family; she touched countless lives through her service, including participating in at least three missions around the world. Her unwavering commitment to helping others left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Donna's life was a beautiful tapestry of devotion to her family. She is survived by her remaining 7 loving children, 29 grandchildren, and 44 great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy; and six siblings, Ralph (Sheila) Aardema, Artimesia Pearce, Kris (Larry) Cook, Marta Giles, Nada (Reed) Spencer, and Ida (Robert) Spencer, sister-in-law Kay Aardema. Donna's home was a place of warmth and welcome, where family gatherings were frequent and filled with laughter, love, and her delicious home-cooked meals.

A resident of Ogden for many years, Donna was deeply involved in her community. She was a dedicated volunteer, giving her time and energy to various causes and organizations. Her kindness, compassion, and willingness to help others made her a cherished member of the community. Donna's friends and neighbors will remember her as a pillar of strength and a source of unwavering support.

Donna had a passion for making things beautiful, especially in having a few pretty flowers to brighten her world. She enjoyed having a beautiful place for people to enjoy and to visit. She also enjoyed reading, cooking, and spending time with her family, who were the center of her world.

Her family and friends will forever remember Donna for her gentle spirit, strong will, and boundless love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Dee; son, Daniel; granddaughters, Lindsey Barker and Ashlynn Barker; great-grandchildren, Lily Keller, William Barker, and Isaac Barker; and siblings, sister, DeLeuw Estes; brother, Paul Aardema; and three brothers-in-law, Richard Estes, Robert Pearce, and Lawrence Giles. 

Memorial services for Donna will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary, Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Donna will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and all who were fortunate enough to know her.