Barbara Miller McMullin passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025 after a sudden illness, surrounded by her loving family and carried off that night by the Northern Lights. She was born on September 22, 1932 in Ogden, Utah to William P. and Mary Wilcox Miller, the oldest of five daughters, the "beautiful Miller girls".
Barbara was an accomplished pianist and organist. She had an early love for reading, geography and travel. She graduated from Ogden High School in 1950 and attended Weber State for one year, where her father was president of the college. She then transferred to Brigham Young University and met the love of her life, Douglas Hales McMullin, in an accounting class.
Doug and Barbara married on July 30, 1953 in a dress her mother handmade for the occasion. They had six children in six years, five boys and one daughter. Despite being outnumbered, she was always there with a listening ear, warm hug and had an amazing sense of humor. She was kind, selfless and loved her children unconditionally.
After initially raising their family in Cottonwood Heights, the McMullins moved to Orem in 1972. Barbara spent her days listening to show tunes, afternoons cheering on her kids at their various sports, and many evenings playing bridge with her cherished friends.
Barbara loved roadtrips with her husband and a good book. They often visited Yellowstone, where she had a summer job with the Union Pacific Railroad while in college, and Beaver, Utah, Doug's childhood hometown.
Barbara took much joy and purpose from her job as the Principal's Secretary at Orem High, and then Mountain View High School. She was known for her gentle and quiet strength, and her ability to make those around her feel seen and valued. After retiring, the couple travelled the mountain west for Doug's job and took annual cruise trips with her mom and sisters. She grew a garden around her home with care and dedication.
Barbara's happiest days were spent with her ever growing family, whether it was watching her beloved Jazz and Chiefs, continuing the family cruise trip tradition or winning at nightly card games. She treasured watching her grandchildren grow and was endlessly proud of them all. As her health declined, her passion for reading only increased, finishing over 50 books a year.
Doug and Barbara were married for 72 years and spent the rest of their lives in the house they bought 53 years before. They had a beautiful marriage full of laughter and friendship. After Doug passed away last year, she continued a life of joy and adventure with the love and support of her best friend, her daughter, LeeAnn.
Barbara donated to many causes and was always an advocate for the rights of all people. She was fun loving and loved without judgement. Her legacy will live on in all of us, and we can only hope to do justice to her long, well lived life. She will be so deeply missed around every dinner table and rummy game.
Barbara is preceded in death by her sweetheart Doug, her parents and two sisters, Margaret Conolly and Donna Roberts. She is survived by her children, Bill (LeeAnne) McMullin, John (Diane) McMullin, Rick (Tina) McMullin, LeeAnn McMullin Strong, Chris McMullin, Jeff (Lynette) McMullin, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and sisters Kaye (Rodger) Cox and Maureen Kirkchhoefer.
A celebration of life will be held by her children at LeeAnn's home in Midway Saturday, November 29th, 1:30-4 pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or your favorite charity.
Barbara was an accomplished pianist and organist. She had an early love for reading, geography and travel. She graduated from Ogden High School in 1950 and attended Weber State for one year, where her father was president of the college. She then transferred to Brigham Young University and met the love of her life, Douglas Hales McMullin, in an accounting class.
Doug and Barbara married on July 30, 1953 in a dress her mother handmade for the occasion. They had six children in six years, five boys and one daughter. Despite being outnumbered, she was always there with a listening ear, warm hug and had an amazing sense of humor. She was kind, selfless and loved her children unconditionally.
After initially raising their family in Cottonwood Heights, the McMullins moved to Orem in 1972. Barbara spent her days listening to show tunes, afternoons cheering on her kids at their various sports, and many evenings playing bridge with her cherished friends.
Barbara loved roadtrips with her husband and a good book. They often visited Yellowstone, where she had a summer job with the Union Pacific Railroad while in college, and Beaver, Utah, Doug's childhood hometown.
Barbara took much joy and purpose from her job as the Principal's Secretary at Orem High, and then Mountain View High School. She was known for her gentle and quiet strength, and her ability to make those around her feel seen and valued. After retiring, the couple travelled the mountain west for Doug's job and took annual cruise trips with her mom and sisters. She grew a garden around her home with care and dedication.
Barbara's happiest days were spent with her ever growing family, whether it was watching her beloved Jazz and Chiefs, continuing the family cruise trip tradition or winning at nightly card games. She treasured watching her grandchildren grow and was endlessly proud of them all. As her health declined, her passion for reading only increased, finishing over 50 books a year.
Doug and Barbara were married for 72 years and spent the rest of their lives in the house they bought 53 years before. They had a beautiful marriage full of laughter and friendship. After Doug passed away last year, she continued a life of joy and adventure with the love and support of her best friend, her daughter, LeeAnn.
Barbara donated to many causes and was always an advocate for the rights of all people. She was fun loving and loved without judgement. Her legacy will live on in all of us, and we can only hope to do justice to her long, well lived life. She will be so deeply missed around every dinner table and rummy game.
Barbara is preceded in death by her sweetheart Doug, her parents and two sisters, Margaret Conolly and Donna Roberts. She is survived by her children, Bill (LeeAnne) McMullin, John (Diane) McMullin, Rick (Tina) McMullin, LeeAnn McMullin Strong, Chris McMullin, Jeff (Lynette) McMullin, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and sisters Kaye (Rodger) Cox and Maureen Kirkchhoefer.
A celebration of life will be held by her children at LeeAnn's home in Midway Saturday, November 29th, 1:30-4 pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or your favorite charity.
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