Barbara Jean Preece Chalfant

Barbara Jean Preece Chalfant, lovingly known as Grandma B, returned home to her Heavenly Father on October 20, 2021. She spent her final days surrounded by her loved ones.

Barbara was born on August 28, 1930 to Otis Martin Preece and Dessie Dailey in Rialto, California. She was the “baby” of seven, a title she took very seriously. Barbara spent her early years in Colton, California, where she learned to horseback ride and enjoyed playing sports. Growing up in a tight knit family she enjoyed a strong bond with her siblings and their children. That bond carried into adulthood as she and her brothers and sisters often traveled together, planned big reunions, and looked for every opportunity to spend time with each other. She was a second mom to several of her nieces and nephews who both loved and feared her.

Barbara married Kenneth Leo Graham on August 18, 1946 in Yuma, Arizona and from this union they were blessed with two daughters, Sandra Kay Graham and Patricia Lee Graham Nield. Barbara and Ken later divorced but remained good friends. She also was married to Jess Chalfant, whom she later divorced.

Barbara worked as a sales representative with several different companies and quickly worked her way up in a predominantly male industry as a traveling salesperson. Barbara retired from California Sentry Hardware after 25 years at which time she followed her daughters and grandkids to Utah.

Barbara loved to cheer on her California Angels where she was a season ticket holder for many years. After moving to Utah, she became a fan of the BYU Cougars as well as the Utah Jazz. Barbara was an avid reader of historical fiction, mysteries as well as the scriptures.

Barbara was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many different callings including Primary President, Relief Society President and Mutual President. She served as a missionary in the Winnipeg, Canada Mission. She served as an ordinance worker in both the Provo and Mount Timpanogos temples for many years. When she was 88 years old, she earned her Young Women’s Medallion while serving as a Personal Progress Leader to the Young Women of her ward whom she loved.

Barbara’s biggest joy in this life was her family, with a close second being Fox News. She is survived by her two daughters Sandra Kay Graham, Patricia Lee Nield and son-in-law Lon Nield, 6 grandchildren and their spouses, 31 great grandchildren and 2 ½ great great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and her 6 siblings Dorothy Preece (Eulis Hubbs), Richard Preece (Dorothy Jurgens), Carol Preece (Ellwood Barrett), Glen Preece (Alyce Scott) Harold Preece (Phyllis Batchman), Arthur Preece (LeeAnne Coates).

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 11:00 am in the Alpine 5^th Ward Chapel, located at 165 North 100 East, Alpine, Utah. Family and friends may call from 10:00-10:45 am prior to services at the church. Interment will follow services in the Alpine City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the Alpine 5th Ward as well as Laura, Kristy and Jasmine from Active Home Health & Hospice for their loving care and support in Barbara’s final days.