Barbara Nielsen Lyman died December 25, 2020, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The daughter of John Henry Nielsen and Emily Elzina Pulsipher, she was born August 27, 1928 in St. George, Utah. She grew up in St. George, and while attending Dixie Junior College, she met her soulmate, John H. Lyman. They were married on June 4, 1948. After moving to Salt Lake City, they created Lyman Printing & Stamp Company, which successfully continued in operation for 65 years, before closing in 2020. The family business was a source of pride for Barbara, and she continued to be an integral part of the company, even after John’s death in 2003. Many were confused, then impressed, when Mother spoke of “heading off to work” at the age of 90. Not out of necessity, but out of love to continue what she and John had started, and to be with her boys, Dave and Rick, at the “shop." Barbara (Babs) was a loving wife, homemaker, and businesswoman.
She enjoyed, and was deeply gratified, with her many years as a volunteer at the Salt Lake Head Start Program. She will be remembered for her love of family, and close connection to whatever dog was sitting in her lap or laying at her side. Babs joked at herself for being able to “worry about” most anything and everything. She had an excellent memory, and pleased herself at surviving through 92 years of an amazing life. She was just as happy to talk about current events and the world, as she was to talk about the “good old days," with the struggles of the Depression. Although emotionally present with all the family, and concerned for their well-being, she longed to be re-united with John, her husband of over 55 years, and we know this last Christmas Day, her wish was fulfilled.
She is survived by four children: Rick (Debi), Michelle (Gary DeWitt), Jim (Joni), and Dave (Lana); sister Jackie Johnsen, brother Clinton Nielsen, as well as 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by husband, John; sisters, Sharon and Janice, and brother, Norman.
Covid 19 restrictions make it difficult to have a traditional funeral. As such, a graveside service will be held at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South, WVC, UT 84120 on Thursday December 31 at 3:00 pm. A memorial service, with luncheon, will be planned at a later time, as conditions permit.
Because of her love for animals, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in her name, to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd,
Kanab, UT 84741 (1-435-644-2001).
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