Barbara Fairchild Hardy
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Barbara F Hardy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed July 2, 2022, at Hope West in Grand Junction, Colorado.
She is survived by her five children Lana Horrocks (Cleve), Keith Hardy (Lani), Linda Nelson (Chuck), Evelyn Hardy, and Mark Hardy (Nikki); 19 grandchildren, and 53 great grandchildren; one brother Basil Fairchild (Rowene).
Barbara was born December 16, 1934, to Asahel Fairchild and Verla Kidman in her grandmother Birdie's home in Mendon, Utah. She was raised in the Basin, and attended school in Oakley, Idaho. Loving art, writing and tumbling as she performed at basketball games. She was both high school homecoming queen and Cassia County rodeo queen. The Oakley Newspaper published her articles. A rodeo and horse race enthusiast, she and Jim's first date was a double date to the rodeo.
Jim and Barbara were married January 24, 1953, in her family home in the Basin. They were later sealed in the Manti Temple in 1971. Jim and Barbara first three children Lana, Keith, and Linda were born in Idaho. They moved to Grand Junction Colorado in 1960 where Jim accepted a position in the FAA. In 1961 Evelyn was born in Oklahoma City and Mark was born in 1965 in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Having a passion for all the arts including painting, making doe art ornaments, which she sold at craft fairs. Her family and friends were thrilled to receive soft sculpted hand made dolls. Barbara was a member of the Art Center of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. She would volunteer and take pottery classes. Owning her own kiln and pottery wheel, she made a variety of pots, pictures, plates and bowls. For many years she made beautifully crafted bowls for the Catholic Outreach fundraiser to feed the homeless at the "Empty Bowles" event each fall.
Bringing the Christmas spirit to numerous children and adults, Barbara and Jim played Mr. and Mrs. Santa for many years. They also help children's birthday parties on their small farm taking children on pony cart rides, even in the downtown parades.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim and Barbara served a mission in 1991-1992 in the Washing to D.C. Temple and two years at the Denver Temple. Barbara served in leadership positions in the Primary and Relief Society and teaching Sunday School. She enjoyed being a member the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and telling and writing family histories.
A visitation for Barbara will be held Friday, July 8, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Grand Junction West Stake Center, 2542 G Road, Grand Junction, CO, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. The internment will be held Tuesday July 12, 2022, at 10:00 A.M at the Basin Cemetery near Oakley, Idaho.