Barbara Haun

Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Barbara Lefavor Haun died peacefully in her home on February 13, 2026. She left this world surrounded by her family after a long journey of declining health. She has returned to the arms of her loving husband, Luke, for whom she has profoundly yearned since he left us almost seven years ago. She has also reunited with her mother, father, grandparents, and many other family and friends. The joy of these reunions brings us great comfort as we attempt to traverse our lives without her. She will be dearly missed.

Barbara was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 7, 1951, to Robert Lefavor and LaVon Thomas. She spent her childhood in Bountiful, UT and Paradise, UT. She attended Bountiful High School before graduating from Saguaro High School (Scottsdale, AZ) in 1969. She met the love of her life Lynden 'Luke' Haun and they married October 12, 1973. They settled in "East" West Valley City, UT, where they raised their three children: Jason, Jeffrey, and Lindsay. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple in November 1983.

Barbara worked in the insurance industry while her children were young. She returned to school in her mid-30s to pursue her dream of becoming a schoolteacher. As with all her pursuits, she approached her education with tenacity and distinction, ultimately graduating magna cum laude from the University of Utah in 1991.

Barbara (Mrs. Haun) went on to teach sixth grade at McMillan Elementary School (Murray, Utah) for 25 years. She had a passion for education and adored her students and their families. She loved her colleagues and was grateful to co-teach with her best friend, Cheryl Weiss. Barbara was a respected and revered educator, receiving awards such as the Utah PTA Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Education (2004) and Murray School District Teacher of the Year (2012). However, it was the relationship with her students and impact on their lives for which she was always most proud.

Most of all, Barbara loved her people. She had a gift for making everyone feel special. The self-title of "favorite" niece, nephew, student, etc., is a debate that will surely live on. Of course, the reality is that we were all her favorite. While she wore many hats (including that red/purple hat phase), she always found time to keep in touch and attend graduations, farewells/homecomings, weddings, showers, sporting events, and plays.

Barbara approached life as an adventure. She loved to travel and experience new things. Long rides on Sunday afternoons or spur of the moment trips were some of her favorites. She loved taking annual trips to Disneyland with Cheryl and spending time with her "Bunco Babes." Barbara enjoyed the fancy things in life, such as a nice purse, colorful scarf, or staying in luxury hotels. She also appreciated the simple things, such a cold diet coke and snuggling up at home in a warm blanket and pajamas.

Barbara was an avid Utes football fan and loved tailgating and attending games with friends and family. Even after she was no longer able to attend games, she wanted to know the menu and who was there.

Barbara was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings and loved serving others. She often worked closely within the Young Women's program, and tales of legendary shenanigans live on today. Barbara was a fierce protector of her people, especially her children. She was a second mother to many. She had a keen sense of justice and was ready and willing to stand up for what was right.

Of the many roles she had in life, none were more important to Barbara than that of grandmother. Her grandchildren meant everything to her and were a source of joy beyond anything else in her world. She showered them with affection and loved to spoil them. Her legacy will live on through them.

Barbara is survived by her three children: Jason (Lisa), Jeffrey (Amanda), and Lindsay (Danielle); her six grandchildren: Ryanne, Ellie, Adeline, Lucas, Thomas, and Olivia; and her siblings: David, Donie, Jeri, Bob, Kathie, and John.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Luke Haun; parents Lavon Elliot and Robert and Sharon Lefavor; sister Sherie Hislop; brother in-laws Lyle Mason and Stuart Haun; sister in laws Annette Haun and Ruth Haun; father-in-law Jack Haun and mother-in-law Bunny Haun.

A viewing will be held at McDougal Funeral Home (4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah) on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Barbara's funeral service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Apple Farms Ward Chapel (3751 South 2200 West, West Valley City, Utah). A viewing will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m., and the funeral service will commence at 11 a.m.

Barbara will be interred at Elysian Burial Gardens (1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek, Utah). She will be laid to rest next to the love of her life, Luke.

Barbara's children wish to express their love and gratitude to their Aunt Jeri for taking such great care of their mother, especially over the past few months.