Barbara Winn Gutke

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Barbara Winn Gutke passed away on September 18, 2024, in Logan, Utah at age 100.

Born on July 8, 1924, in Smithfield, Utah, she was the only child of Glen Riches Winn and Letha Roskelley Winn, who passed away when Barbara was three years old. When Barbara was six years old, her father married Mae Huber Winn, and they had four more children.

Barbara met Harold (Butch) Gutke on December 7, 1941, the same day of the Pearl Harbor attack. They married on February 2, 1944, in the Logan LDS Temple. During World War II, Harold was drafted into the Navy, and Barbara accompanied him while he served in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Seattle, Washington.

After the war, they briefly returned to Cache Valley before moving to St. Anthony, Idaho; Sheridan, Wyoming; and Tooele, Utah, where Harold coached football and taught high school. In 1954, they settled in Smithfield to raise their family. Barbara lived in Smithfield until she was nearly 98 and spent her remaining years at Legacy House in Logan.

Education was a significant part of Barbara’s life. Growing up in Smithfield, she attended Summit Elementary, Smithfield Junior High, and North Cache High School. After settling in Smithfield with her husband and three young children, she earned a degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University. Barbara taught first and second grade at Ellis and Hillcrest Elementary Schools in Logan for 28½ years, leaving a lasting impact on many students who remember her fondly.

After retiring, Barbara developed the Hunter Meadows subdivision, a 75-acre project in northeast Smithfield, where she showed her drive and determination by doing much of the work herself, completing roughly one phase each year for 18 phases. She coordinated with surveyors, obtained city permits, subcontracted work, and met with buyers, making cherished friendships along the way. She often shared homemade caramels, chocolate chip cookies, and other baked treats with her neighbors, friends, and family.

Barbara was an active member of the Smithfield community and a respected historian. She frequently gave local history presentations and co-authored the book Smithfield…as a City on a Hill for the Smithfield Historical Society. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and was honored to be named Citizen of the Year for Smithfield’s Health Days Celebration in 2001.

As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barbara served in various capacities, including Relief Society President and compassionate service leader. During the COVID shutdown, at 96 years old, she taught the gospel doctrine class via Zoom. Her favorite roles included Primary and Junior Sunday School chorister, where she shared her musical talents.

Barbara loved her family wholeheartedly and supported her posterity in their activities. She traveled extensively and celebrated her 80th and 86th birthdays by taking her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to Disneyland. In addition, Barbara was a talented seamstress and cook and taught her skills to her daughters and granddaughters.

Barbara’s vibrant spirit and unwavering determination lit up any room. She had a remarkable ability to speak her mind with fearless honesty, and her commitment to her beliefs was beautifully balanced by her capacity for love. Even in disagreement, she made others feel valued, exemplifying that love sometimes stems from honesty. Her authenticity will resonate with those who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her children, Robert (Marilyn) Gutke of Logan, Utah, Kathryn (Gordon) Geddes of River Heights, Utah, and Marilyn (Brian) Lundberg of Logan, Utah. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her sisters, Elaine Winn Folsom and Margaret Winn Arnold. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, stepmother, and two brothers, Glen (Bud) Riches Winn Jr. and John Winn.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Allen Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, Logan. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Smithfield Third Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 640 North 200 East, Smithfield, Utah, with a viewing from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by the funeral at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Smithfield City Cemetery.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Smithfield 3rd Ward Relief Society, the Legacy House LDS Branch, and the staff at Legacy House for their compassionate service and care.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com. 

TO VIEW BARBARA'S FUNERAL SERVICE LIVE PLEASE CLICK HERE