Barbara Jean Semons

Barbara Jean Semons, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully at her home on May 31, 2021 at the age of 92. Barbara was born on April 17, 1929 to Horace Alexander and Florence Baker Murphy. The youngest of 4 daughters, Barbara grew up during the great depression. From this experience, she learned to value simplicity, hard work, and to never waste…a skill that served her well all throughout her life.
Barbara was a graduate of Pocatello High School (class of 46’). Following graduation, she moved to Salt Lake City where she enrolled in classes at LDS business college and worked part time for the local phone company. Later she returned to Pocatello and enjoyed a 7- year career with Idaho Bank & Trust.
During these years Barbara met her future husband, Homer, while each vacationed with friends in Yellowstone. While dating, Homer introduced Barbara to many of the outdoor hobbies they would enjoy together all throughout their lives…primarily skiing and fishing. Frequent dates took them to Sun Valley, Idaho in the winter and to the many beautiful rivers and streams of central and southeast Idaho in the summer. Later they would share their love for the outdoors with their children and grandchildren.
Homer and Barbara were married on June 21, 1956. They built and moved into their dream home in 1960 and remained there for 60 wonderful years raising their three children and later welcoming 13 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. During these years, Barbara developed and shared many talents, including painting. Many of her paintings adorn the walls of her home and the homes of her children. Barbara was also an avid bowler and participated in weekly league play for many years.
Barbara was a selfless individual who devoted her life to her family and to her faith. In 1977, she was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoyed many years of service in ward callings, in genealogical research, and as a temple ordinance worker. She was an avid reader who had a particular interest in history, in the words of modern prophets and apostles, and in learning from the scriptures. The gift of a book at Christmas or for a birthday was always appreciated and eagerly read. She became a true disciple of Christ from all that she learned and an example to all who knew her.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Homer, her son Wade Semons of Pocatello, and her sisters, Gertrude Hall of Pocatello and Patricia Obrien of San Mateo, Ca. She is survived by her daughter Wendy Herd of Fruit Heights, Utah, her son Mark Semons of Pocatello, and her sister, Arlene Murphy of San Mateo, Ca. Thank you mom for the goodness of your life. We are forever blessed because of your strength in the things that mattered most! God keep you until we meet again.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 11 am at the LDS Mink Creek Ward building, 8200 W. Portneuf Rd. Pocatello, ID, with a viewing from 9:30 to 11 am prior.
Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Avenue Pocatello, ID.