Barbara Alene Braden Halverson

Barbara Alene Braden Halverson, born April 5, 1944, passed peacefully in her home at the age of 81 on January 29, 2026.

She is survived by her husband, Garth Halverson; her children, Troy (Jennifer) and Amy (Tony); her siblings; and her 26 beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barbara was born to Philip and Della Braden in Bremerton, Washington. She was the oldest of nine and lived with her parents and siblings on a farm near Centralia, Washington. She met her husband, Garth Halverson, in 1962 in Olympia, Washington, while he was stationed at Fort Lewis in the Army. The two were married on June 30, 1963, in Chehalis, Washington, near where they owned a burger restaurant as newlyweds. They later moved to Utah, where they started their careers and family. Together they had three children: Troy, Dane, and Amy.

Barbara was a talented florist. She owned a successful floral business and made many lifelong friends during that time. Creating beautiful flower arrangements was her creative outlet, and her love for it showed in her work. She enjoyed caring for her yard and garden just as much as she loved being outside to get a tan. You could often find her outside soaking up the sunshine, and if flowers were involved, she was in. She loved creating a peaceful yard and home with her husband, Garth. Barbara especially loved cats, but she loved all of God's creatures and was known for putting spiders and bugs outside because she could never hurt them. She never missed an opportunity to rescue or help an animal and was known to many as a resource for helping animals. Barbara enjoyed living in Utah and appreciated every season. Countless weddings, birthdays, holidays, Bible studies, and family get-togethers came together in her home and yard, all because of the love she had for her people, her ministry background, and her gift for hosting. Barbara took pride in having all her own, very white teeth. She was always a snazzy dresser and never left the house without a fully matching ensemble. She loved to go shopping and was always excited about a new outfit. At the same time, she was thoughtful and generous, always giving gifts and thinking about what others needed. Barbara was a deeply involved wife, mother, and grandma who dedicated her life to her husband and family. She did everything she could to support those she loved.

Barbara is now having a glorious reunion with her son, Dane, who passed before her. She has also been reunited with her parents, Philip and Della; her brothers, Al and Rick; and many beloved family members, friends, and pets.

Barbara was a kind, compassionate, creative, sassy, and beautiful person who filled our lives with so much love. We feel her absence deeply. We know Barbara is in heaven, and while we are comforted knowing she has been reunited with loved ones and made perfect in God's image, we will miss her dearly.