Barbara Jean Behrmann

Santa Clara, Utah – Barbara Jean Miller Behrmann, 85, passed away June 25, 2025. She was born on November 22, 1939, the fourth of six children – three boys and three girls - to James Holden Miller and Sarah Reno Miller. She entered the world in Virginia City, Montana, a historic gold mining town, and was raised nearby in the small community of Ruby, Montana.

Barbara was the first girl born after three older brothers. Her mother longed for a daughter, and her father and grandfather prayed for a lively "Here's Hollywood" girl. Their prayers fully realized with Barbara's arrival.

From Ruby, the family moved to Silver Star. One of Barbara's fondest memories was riding on her father's shoulders as they walked through fields tending irrigation headgates, a quiet moment of connections that stayed with her always.

Barbara was strong-willed from a young age, spirited and unafraid to stand her ground. A beloved family story recalls her climbing a windmill as a child to escape her father's wrath, a bold act that captured her fierce independence. That same determination and unshakable spirit stayed with her throughout her life, shaping her character and endearing her to all who knew her.

The family later moved to Garrison. A small mining camp nestled deep in the Montana mountains near the Continental Divide. Barbara thrived in the rugged landscape fishing, playing "Minin" and running wild through the hills, dreaming big dreams for her future. Ever resourceful, she learned when the miners were paid and found clever ways to earn money by selling newspapers, magazines and holding raffles. With her savings she proudly treated herself and friends to a trip to Helena, the state capital. This is a testament to her creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit at a young age.

At 16, the family moved closer to town. Barbara persistently applied for a job at the local truck stop, Welch's, and was hired on her third attempt. She worked there for three years, gaining life lessons from the steady stream of travelers passing through. That job helped pay for her way through college, where, at 19, she met the love of her life, Lawrence Amos Behrmann. After their first date, she wrote home to her mother saying she had met her husband.

Barbara and Lawrence were married in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple in Logan, Utah on August 3, 1959. Together they raised five children, all of whom survive her: Lawrence James (Mara) Behrmann, Brooke Leigh Behrmann, Layne Allen (Janet) Behrmann, Dena Rae (Lance) Walker, and Joseph (Emily) Behrmann. She was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Barbara earned her Associate's Degree in Fashion Design while raising her children, and later went on to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Arts. A lifelong learner, she remained a devoted student of both life and family history. She was fiercely committed to preserving her genealogy. Through decades of heartfelt writing, she documented her life and stories, leaving behind a legacy of words that will live on for generations to come.

Together with her husband of 66 years, Barbara travelled the world. At home, she was an avid gardener and enjoyed playing the piano. Always a natural leader, she served as Primary President, Relief Society President and Temple Ordinance Worker, among many other callings. She was always eager to serve and support others in her community.

Barbara passed away peacefully at her home in Santa Clara, Utah, surrounded by loved ones on June 25, 2025. She will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched.

Of her many adventures and experiences, this poem written by her friend Nelda Crump beautifully captures her spirit:

Oh Butterfly, so light and gay

Have you always been this way?

I'm forced to think as you flutter by

You've always lived in God's blue sky.

And if you should ever stop to doze

It would be upon a velvet rose.

Barbara will be buried in the Ivins City Cemetery, 200 West 400 North, Ivins, Utah on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Snow Canyon Retirement Community, 2778 West Lava Hills Road, Santa Clara, Utah.

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