Barbara Baker

Barbara Baker obituary, Riverton, UT

Barbara Baker

Barbara Baker Obituary

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Oct. 31, 2012.
Barbara Billings Baker 1931-2012 Resident of Sandy, Utah Barbara Alice Billings Baker passed away on October 26, 2012 at the age of 81. Barbara was born August 6, 1931 to parents Thelma Hannah Bate and Harper Henry Billings of Perry, Utah. She held a B.S. Degree in Education and a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Brigham Young University. She taught in Alpine, Provo, and Santa Clara School Districts. Barbara was the mother of six children. In 1963, she and her husband Bryce founded Challenger Schools, having only six paying students in her first class. Challenger grew to over 10,000 students and over 900 staff. Barbara actively worked as CEO until her passing. All of her children worked with her in the schools for varying lengths of time and in various capacities. Barbara was adamantly active in promoting and living her moral value system that included justice, honesty, personal responsibility, productivity, individual liberty, integrity, independence, and reason. She loved people. Music and dancing were her most precious activities. She loved to write, having written a great deal of Challenger's preschool and kindergarten curriculum, including much of its preschool music. She loved to travel, enjoying most of all the culture and people, and to hike the canyons and trails and those small towns throughout the country where she could feel the historical ambience. Instead of sending flowers, you may share your thoughts about Barbara via email at [email protected]. In keeping with Barbara's wishes, a small family service will be held.

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November 13, 2019

Dianne Ashe posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2013

Jason Bowen posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.

Dianne Ashe

November 13, 2019

Barbara will always be in my fondest thougths. Her kind spirit and generous heart made dreams come true for me, and so many others. Students and satff alike benefited from her marvelous, innovative, sensible ideas and challenges. She really was a force in the world of education. Each time I return to one of Challenger's campuses I can only marvel, and say to myself, "... and Barbara did all this!" The best part, though, is that I got to be apart of it, throughout the formative years, and beyond. Thanks, Barbara, I am so very grateful.

Jason Bowen

February 19, 2013

I attended Challenger from 1st grade at Lone Mountain with Mr. Bailey, up until the 5th grade with Mr. Peace; then I moved. In the years at this wonderful school she created I got the opportunity to meet her when she came to see our class. She always had a smile on her face, and that smile will never be forgotten. RIP Barbara

November 9, 2012

I went to Challenger when I was little and am now taking out a second job just to send my little girl there. It was the most valuable education experience and I thank you for sharing your creation with us. Love and prayers. Jenny

VeeDrienne and Gordon Johnson

November 8, 2012

We join with those who will miss Barbara very much. She lived next door to us for many years. We loved visiting with her while on walks with her little dog or in the yard. She was such a great example of patriotism and love for the Constitution of the United States. She also loved the beauty of nature and the many trees she planted in her yard to remind her of the awesome mountains she viewed daily from her home. She was a master educator and loved the children. She saw their potential and wanted them to reach upward and do their very best each day. She motivated them and others in her life to do better than they might have done without her influence. We are grateful to have known her for these years as a special neighbor and to have had her in our lives.

Joel and Sheila Madsen

November 7, 2012

We were sad to learn of Barbara's passing. We knew she loved dancing and walking with her little dog Spice. We shared a love of country. She will be missed by all who knew her.

November 7, 2012

Dustin, Derek, Ryan - I was sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I will always remember she and your dad sitting among the high school speech and debate crowd laughing and playing games. She always made my sister and I feel like we were part of the family when we would visit your home in Utah. I never saw her angry - even when we TP'd the school on Quito Rd.

Jomarie Ochoa aka Lori Lynn Myers

Arie To

November 4, 2012

I have been going to Challenger ever since kindergarten. I remember meeting Mrs. Barbara B. Baker once in my life and that was a magical moment. Mrs. Baker has given me the opportunity to be successful in life, starting with a really good start with my education. Thank you so much and I know that every Challenger student will say the same too.

Claire Nguyen

November 4, 2012

Challenger has been my home since ever since I was three years old. I am glad God created someone like Mrs. Baker who put her heart and soul in teaching people like me to learn and grow as individuals. I am currently in the 7th grade and remember meeting Mrs. Baker twice. The first time was when I was in the 4th grade. I believe Mrs. Baker had come to my particular campus to watch a few classes. My teacher, Mr. Luo, had been lucky enough to be watched by Mrs. Baker. I clearly remember my teacher allowing us to go up to her for an autograph after a science lesson. Mrs. Baker patiently signed all of our scraps of paper. I still have the piece of paper. It is hung on my wall with several other memories I hold dear to my heart. I also met Mrs. Baker in the 5th grade. It was when we were holding our Spring Programs. I remember a lady from the Corporate Offices coming to watch us. I also remember my teachers and our headmaster telling us that Mrs. Baker was coming to watch our class's performance, and therefore, we would have to perform our program once again. I was scared. I remember thinking "THE BARBARA BAKER IS GOING TO WATCH US!" I was lucky to have a solo in "Tomorrow" from the musical Annie. I will always remember Mrs. Baker, and my few memorable mettings with her. May Mrs. Baker's soul forever be held in our hearts. And if she can see this, Mrs. Baker, thank you for everything you have done to help Challenger School grow and thank you for giving me a home I will never forget.

November 4, 2012

Challenger has been a part of my life for almost 20 years, and I am honored and blessed to have known this wonderfully amazing and passionate woman. I am a better individual, wife, mother and American because Barbara touched my life, and I am confident her spirit will guide us as we continue to achieve Challenger's mission.

November 3, 2012

Our prayers will always be with you. <3

Arie To

November 3, 2012

I have been going to Challenger ever since kindergarten. I remember meeting Mrs. Barbara B. Baker once in my life and that was a magical moment. Mrs. Baker has given me the opportunity to be successful in life, starting with a really good start with my education. Thank you so much and I know that every Challenger student will say the same too.

Brandon Davis

November 2, 2012

I was a previous student of the Las Vegas Challenger School campus from pre-school all the way to 8th grade. I had the priviledge of meeting Barbara Baker a few times while she vistited our campus and she always had a smile on her face. She even taught us a few dance moves when we were practicing our program. I dont know where I would be without Challenger because that was my whole life. I made friends there, I met the most amazing teachers and I am so thankful that Barbara founded the school. Based of the times I have met her, she was a great women who had a lot of passion in what she did. I am greatful for everything she did. Thank you Mrs. Baker

November 1, 2012

We are so very saddned to hear about Barbara's death. She has played such an amazing role in our lives as well as our daughter Kelly. What an inspiration to those who did and did not know her. Her legacy and foundations and principals of life will forever shape the course of education in private schools, and hopefully, spill over to all schools. Barbara stood firm in her belief's until the end. She has been a leader, friend, mentor and inspiration to all who knew, or knew of her and she will be forever and greatly missed.

Melissa Robertson

October 31, 2012

You have opened the doors to a wonderful program that has helped so many children over the years. You are a true inspiration to all. Thank you for the opportunities I have been given as an employee and as a mother. My daughter has benefited immensely. She loves going to school everyday to learn beyond belief not only through the curriculum but the values taught at Challenger as well. Thoughts and prayers go out to all. <3

Pascoe Bowen

October 31, 2012

I was very honored to have known Barbara and work for her as a Headmaster at Challenger's Sandy Campus. During my time there she taught me a lot about the philosphy of liberty. It is staggering to think of the impact she had on so many lives. The world is a better place because of her. I am grateful for the opportunites she gave me to work at Challenger and learn and grow as a professional. Barbara will be missed dearly my many. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, I was fortunate to meet many of them. I know she loved you all, and was very proud of your acheviments.

Shweta Mehta

October 31, 2012

Thanks for founding Challenger School, we will always remember you through the good education our children get at Challenger.

Stacey Bowen

October 31, 2012

What an amazing woman full of passion and dedication. Barbara not only taught the meaning of, but truly lived her life with honesty and integrity in all that she accomplished. She taught many including myself about the value and depth within Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. RIP Barbara, you will be sorely missed. My condolences go out to her family at home as well as her Challenger family.

Sudipa Mukhopadhyay

October 30, 2012

I am a teacher at Challenger School. I'll always remember her as a parent also. The success of my children rest on the philospohy of starting early. Her vision will capture our hearts..."I was born with the right to choose my own destiny..I will learn to speak for myself, think for myself and be responsible for myself.."
May you soul rest in peace. You will always remain in our hearts...My deepest condolences for the family.

Michelle Silva

October 30, 2012

A legendary woman and a remarkable lady. I am inspired daily by hearing and seeing children follow and live by her philosophy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Gina Wilson

October 30, 2012

Barbara, I will remember you as not only a brilliant teacher and mentor, but as a woman of great faith and love for her country. I was privileged to know you. May you rest now in the love and peace of our Lord. My condolences go out to Barbara's family.

Tamila D'Elia

October 30, 2012

An exceptional woman who dedicated her life to helping others. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten!

Ofilia Kayser

October 30, 2012

Thank you Barbara, for giving me a second chance to teach.

Dianne Ashe

October 30, 2012

I will surely miss this giant of a woman, who had such courage and brilliance. Even as the tide of popular opinion was against her, Barbara continued to follow her convictions - ideas and philosophies that proved to be innovative and have stood the test of time. The many Challenger graduates that have excelled in various fields of endeavor are a testimony to her foresight and wisdom. It has been my pleasure and joy to have had her in my life. Her enduring legacy, for me, will be that of lighting one candle , rather than cursing the darkness.

Kristina Quintana

October 30, 2012

I am so greatful that she believed in children so much. Both my girls attend Challenger and I am now a teacher there. I LOVE what Challenger teaches children. I LOVE what Challenger stands for and will help carry out her mission in my days of teaching.

Amarjeet Kaur

October 30, 2012

"You will always be remembered."
Her legacy will continue to live through the excellence in the children who started building their academic foundation at Challenger Schools.

Very sad to hear this news. It has been a wonderful experience for my child with an excellent foundation at Challenger.

Amarjeet Kaur

October 30, 2012

Dee Bragg

October 30, 2012

I am so sad to hear this news. I was so blessed to have worked with Challenger School and Barbara. The time I spent at Challenger were the best years as the program she built allowed children to shine. Whenever Barbara walked on a campus, she knew the staff by name and was always ready to sit down and chat with them. I may no longer be with Challenger but I know the all of us who had the chance to work with you are crying right now.

Shawn Meagher

October 29, 2012

I never met Barbara but my child has excelled in schoool because of the groundwork that she set.

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Sign Barbara Baker's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 13, 2019

Dianne Ashe posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2013

Jason Bowen posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.