Kendra Gay Barbour

Funeral Recording - https://audio.funeralrecording.com/embed/45ea2102-d5c3-11ee-a3c9-0e93634d2851

Our sweet Kendra Gay Barbour peacefully passed from this life back to the arms of her Heavenly parents in the early morning hours of January 7th 2024 at the age of 63. She was joyfully reunited with her earthly parents who proceeded her in death (Howard K. and Mary T. Barbour of Cottonwood Heights, Utah). We grieve her absence, but rejoice in the freedom from the pain in her body and have no doubt her reunion in Heaven was as joyful an occasion as her birth was on January 26th 1960. January 26th became the most important day of every year for Kendra (as everyone that knows and love her will never forget). Born a tiny miracle with Down-syndrome, she was given little chance of long term survival. 63 years later, her family and friends know each day of those sixty three years was a gift from God and evidence of her unconquerable spirit. The dedication of her family and loving support of her community enabled Kendra to spend most of her life in her family home in Cottonwood Heights where she traveled often with her family and friends, participated in countless activities, sports, and meaningful work at a place she called “workshop”. She acted in plays, participated in dance competitions, many youth activities and she was especially proud of the medals she won in the Special Olympics. She was brilliant and intuitive, funny and fun loving. Kendra never failed to give a hug to anyone in the moment they needed it most. Wiley and full of spirit, she kept everyone on their toes with a mischievous smile on her face. Thanks to the diligence of her parents and brother in teaching her, Kendra achieved many goals and earned her high school diploma when she graduated the South Valley School at the age of 22. This is where she joined a life long friend group known as “the Graduates” and participated in weekly activities for many, many years thanks to the loving efforts of her dear friend, Erin Pickins whom she remained close to the rest of her life.

Kendra is survived by her brother Kendall T. Barbour, who spent every day of her life as her advocate and greatest cheerleader. She is also survived by her nieces (Heidi Ann Barbour Wilkes, Mandy Jean Barbour) in addition to her favorite nephew (Zackary Scott Barbour), nephew by marriage (Rustin D. Wilkes) and several great-nieces (Amy Michelle Delamare, Alexandrea Ann Barbour Wilkes, Erin Jennifer Lee, Skylar Claire Barbour, her great-nephews 

(Dayton Ryan Comber, Tyler Levi Hallett) and one great-great niece (Oakleigh Rae Comber). Each was blessed to grow up basking in her affection and laughter and they will never forget her. Kendra is also survived by many dear friends and neighbors she considered family as she easily became the favorite of nearly every person she met. 

In 2005, a dear friend named Mindy Butler helped Kendra expand her life experience by living in a group home where she resided for 15 years. There she added to her long list of friends including Blake Longhurst, who started out as a part time caregiver and soon became Kendra’s closest friend. They remained BFF’s until the day she died and Blake now survives Kendra as her honorary “soul-sister”. Kendra was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She loved her Savior deeply and was always very close to the Spirit. Whenever she saw a temple or heard the tabernacle choir singing hymns, it was obvious Kendra was closer to Heaven than the rest of us. She had a strong testimony you could feel even when she could not speak the words to bear it. She and her family were blessed throughout her life by friends, neighbors and caregivers too numerous to name. Kendra’s family wishes to express their deep gratitude for all those who helped to keep Kendra safe, happy and living life to its fullest each day of her life. Every act of compassion and concern for Kendra made the life she lived possible; and her family is eternally grateful for each and every one of the countless people that expressed kindness and dedication to her. Her family also extends a special thanks to those who helped in her later years. This includes her caregivers at Friends 4Life, the medical teams at Altaview Hospital, Sandstone of Taylorsville and the staff of Cannon Mortuary. Each in their own way went above and beyond to make Kendra’s last days on this earth the best they could be and her unexpected passing as easy on her family as possible. Kendra is now and will always be deeply missed. The pure love she exuded in life filled the world of those who knew her with a light that cannot be extinguished even in death. 

Funeral services will be held, Monday, February 26, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at her home ward, the Brighton 6th Ward, 2925 E. Bengal Blvd. (7800 South) with a visitation prior to service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Mountain View Memorial Estates. 

For those unable to attend in person, please use the link below to view the service online. 

https://www.youtube.com/live/70H3GFxGDAs?si=nfluHNKtR5dc6IqB