She grew up and attended school in Ogden and Roy, Utah. In 1968 she married Alan Bute with whom she shared her son, Eric L. Bute. After they divorced, she was married and divorced three more times before marrying her husband of 40 years, Mark D. Vernieu. Later in life she also became a “dog mom” to her furry favorite, Lulu.

Barbara obtained her degree in Microbiology from Weber State University. As a microbiologist she worked on several important research projects at the University of Utah and the Huntsman Cancer Institute, both in Salt Lake City, Utah. At the age of 51 she had the opportunity to change careers and never looked back. She turned her passion for quilt making into a successful business named QuiltSoup. She designed and sold original quilt patterns, designed textiles for textile manufacturers, wrote nationally published quilt books, and taught many students the art of applique and quilt making.

Barbara was an optimist and always looked for the best in every situation. She was outgoing and a genuine friend to many. She loved being a grandmother and sharing in the lives of her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Mark D. Vernieu; her son, Eric L. (Jessica) Bute; her mother, Marie W. Francis; her sister, Glenda (Bruce) Hudgens; her brother, Kenneth (Susan) Francis; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and her furry favorite, Lulu.

Preceded in death by her father, Thomas Lyman Jones; her stepfather, Merrell L. Francis, her stepmother Eola Jones; and several aunts and uncles.

Barbara elected to be cremated and requested no formal services at this time.

Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, (435) 986-9100.