Susan Jane Stowell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Susan Jane Stowell, who left us peacefully on March 1, 2026, at the age of 76.

Susan was born on September 15, 1949, in Glendale, California, to Charles and Nellie Barnes. As the youngest of three children, she grew up in Southern California and was a true reflection of her generation. She loved the California sunshine, spending time at the beach, listening to the Beach Boys, and enjoying the carefree spirit of that era.

Susan graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in La Crescenta, California. She went on to attend Glendale College and later the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she affiliated with the Sigma Kappa sorority. Eventually, she transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. During her time at BYU, Susan felt she had found something that had been missing in her life and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She graduated from BYU with a degree in anthropology and later pursued graduate work in elementary and special education.

While at BYU, Susan met her first husband, Richard H. Goms Jr. Together they had five children. Though the marriage later ended in divorce, Susan demonstrated extraordinary strength and determination as she raised her five children largely on her own for many years. She was deeply devoted to them and worked tirelessly to ensure they were raised with strong values and a good education.

Susan possessed a quiet strength and resilience that carried her through many medical and personal trials throughout her life. She had a determined spirit and often reassured those close to her by saying, “I’ll figure it out,” a phrase that reflected her courage and perseverance even in her final days.

Susan dedicated her professional life to serving others as a special education teacher. Through her kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit, she touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. Yet, her greatest joy was always her family. She was a loving mother and a proud grandmother of seventeen—soon to be eighteen—and had recently welcomed the blessing of becoming a great-grandmother. Family gatherings were among her greatest treasures, and she cherished every moment spent with those she loved.

In 2011, Susan was blessed to find love again when she married Brian J. Stowell. They were later sealed in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple for time and all eternity, a sacred moment that meant a great deal to her.

Susan loved traveling and the beauty of the outdoors. She especially cherished trips to Ireland and Scotland with two of her children, as well as a memorable trip to Paris with her husband, Brian. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. She served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found peace and purpose in regularly attending the temple.

Susan is survived by her eternal companion, Brian Stowell; her children: Matthew (Valerie) Goms of Draper, Utah; Michael (Jessica) Goms of Lehi, Utah; Alicia (Shawn) Bias of Worcester, New York; Kristen (Jared) Schoettler of Madera, California; and Kevin (Stephanie) Goms of Ucon, Idaho; and her brother, Don (Ann) Barnes.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Blake, Hailey, Kaiden, Cole, Britney, Jacob, Joey, Abbie, Addyson, Natalie, Nikki, Emily, Ethan, Charly, Emma, Paislee, Brady and soon to be Adeline, and was recently blessed with her first great-grandchild, Maddison.

She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Susan was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her sister, Irene Borses.

A public viewing will be held on March 9, 2026, at 9:45 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, both taking place at River Oaks Chapel, 8950 South 1300 West, West Jordan, Utah 84088.

Those who knew Susan are invited to share memories and condolences on her Tribute Wall at www.AndersonMortuary.com.

As we say goodbye to Susan, we remember her unwavering spirit, her deep love for her family, and the quiet kindness that touched the lives of all who knew her.