On August 21, 2026, Barbara Jean Johnson Craig returned to her Heavenly Father and was joyfully reunited with the love of her life, Farrel Dee Craig, and her sweet daughter, Shelly Craig. Barbara was born on January 5, 1941 in Payson, Utah to Arnole Gilbert and Aileen Badham Johnson. She married Farrel Dee Craig on January 23, 1959 when she was a senior in high school. They were later sealed in the Provo Temple on December 10, 1977.

Barbara was blessed with many dear friends throughout her school years and cherished those friendships for the rest of her life. She continued to spend time with them over the years, creating lasting memories and maintaining the close bonds that meant so much to her. As a young woman, Barbara took piano lessons and played both the clarinet and bass clarinet in her school band. She was also a member of the drill team and served as a drill team board officer. During her junior year of high school, she was honored to be selected by her peers as a member of the Solito Club, an achievement she fondly remembered as one of the highlights of her school years. Barbara graduated from Spanish Fork High School on May 29, 1959. She graduated from Seminary on May 21, 1959.

Barbara found joy in many simple and meaningful things throughout her life. Barbara loved to sew and took great pride in caring for her yard. She had a special love for flowers and found joy in the beauty they brought to her life. One of her favorite pastimes was drying flowers from her garden and creating beautiful dried floral arrangements that she lovingly displayed and shared with others. She loved playing the organ, an instrument that had belonged to her parents. She was an avid reader with a deep love for church history, especially stories about the pioneers. Barbara also loved shopping and always enjoyed finding something special, whether for herself or for those she loved. Barbara enjoyed taking ceramic classes and found great satisfaction in creating beautiful things. She was a devoted and supportive wife, always willing to help and serve alongside her husband. She played an important role in helping establish the Santaquin Buckaroo Rodeo in 1977, a legacy that continues to be cherished in the community.

Barbara faithfully served in many capacities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout her life. She served as Young Women President, youth Sunday School teacher, Relief Society President, ward newsletter editor, and Relief Society in-service teacher. She gave generously of her time, talents, and testimony in every calling she accepted. Her favorite calling was serving in the baptistry at the Provo Temple alongside her husband for seven and a half years. This service brought her great joy and was a cherished part of her life. After completing their service in the baptistry at the temple, Barbara and her husband were called to serve as coordinators for stake baptisms. They faithfully served in this calling for three years, continuing to dedicate their time and talents in service to others and to the Lord.

Barbara worked at Santaquin Elementary School from 1974 to 1997, where she served in several roles, including Title I aide, office aide, attendance secretary, and librarian. She was loved by the students and staff alike and made a lasting impact on many children’s lives. Barbara treasured her time at the school and carried many fond memories of those years. She retired early to care for her daughter, Shelly, after Shelly suffered a traumatic brain injury in a horse accident. Barbara lovingly and tirelessly cared for her daughter for many years, showing remarkable strength, compassion, and selfless devotion. Her unwavering love and dedication were a beautiful reflection of the kind of mother and person she was. Barbara will be greatly missed.

Barbara is survived by her children, Chad (Kim) Craig of West Mountain; Neil (JoEll) Craig of Santaquin; and Clay (Angie) Craig of Santaquin. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, her sister, Linda Chard of Sandy, and her brother, Doug (Geri) Johnson of Springville, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Farrel Dee Craig; her daughter, Shelly Craig; her parents, Arnole and Aileen Johnson; and her sister, Marilyn.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and on Friday August 28, 2026 from 9:30-10:30am at Brown Family Mortuary 66 S 300 E Santaquin. A graveside service will be held August 28, 2026 at 11:00am at Santaquin Cemetery 100 E 300 S.