Virginia Constance Barnard

Virginia Constance Barnard of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, just 4 days shy of her 91st birthday.

She was born on June 25, 1932 to Arnold D. Potter and Helen Ganshorn Potter, in Regina, Canada. Her family, along with 5 brothers, immigrated to Portland, Oregon in 1947. She married Blaine D. Barnard on May 2, 1953 and they moved to Perry, Utah where they raised their five children.

Virginia always embraced new challenges. She took up flying and obtained her pilot’s license later in life. She and Blaine enjoyed many years of cross-country adventures in their plane, creating some of the happiest days of her life.

She worked for Thiokol Corporation, and then later for the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Department, where she retired after 20 years of service.Virginia loved music and was very talented, playing the piano by ear. She took up playing the organ after retiring and continued to play until her passing. She cherished the friendships made in her Utah organ club.

She was a prolific cross stitcher, creating beautiful art pieces that will be cherished as family heirlooms.Virginia had an insatiable desire to learn and was well-versed in physics and world events. She was also fascinated by new ideas and technology.

She loved to laugh and touched everyone with her warm smile and infectious sense of humor, which made a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Virginia is survived by her brother Wayne (Pam Brown), Oak Grove, OR and her children; Verlaine (Wayne) Rennemeyer, Brigham City, UT, Robert (Michele), Midway, UT, Jill (Tim Eull), Phoenix, AZ, Stephen (Theresa), Prescott Valley, AZ, and Betsy Brett (Eddie-deceased), Brigham City, UT, 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Blaine in 2004, and her brothers Richard, Lawrence, Alvin and Kenneth.

Mom was able to spend the last 10 years of her life surrounded by much love and attention in the home of Jill and Tim in Phoenix, AZ.

The family asks that she be remembered for her love of animals and the joy she brought to others. In her honor you may donate to your local Humane Society.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.