Elaine Barber Nance

Elaine Barber Nance, 92, passed peacefully in her sleep to be reunited with her Savior on July 30, 2025. She was no doubt greeted with love by her husband and other family members in a joyous reunion.

Elaine was born on February 8, 1933, in Syracuse, Utah—before Syracuse was even a city—to Horace Russell Barber and Cleo Bennett. She was the eldest of three children, and she and her siblings grew up on the Barber family farm. Her parents instilled in her the values of a strong work ethic and the importance of family ties. From a young age, Elaine learned the significance of hard work, helping with daily chores such as milking cows, hauling wheat, and assisting her dad in selling potatoes to support the family. This dedication stayed with her throughout her life, as she supported her own family through various jobs, including working as a cook at the Chicken Out and as a typist and appointment clerk at Hill Air Force Base. After leaving Hill Air Force Base she stayed at home to take care of her family as a homemaker. The one thing she didn’t enjoy about farm life was the mice. She often recalled that her fear of them was fueled by her cousin and sister, who would chase her with mice in their hands or hide them in her dresser drawers, making her childhood memories both humorous and memorable.

A lifelong resident of Syracuse, Utah—never leaving 2700 South—Elaine attended Syracuse Elementary, North Davis Junior High, and graduated from Davis High School in 1951. After high school, she married her sweetheart, Lionel Milo Nance, in the Logan Temple on May 6, 1952. Together, they raised six children—Alan, Vickie, Sheryl, Keith, Kyle and Dusty—and shared a marriage of 64 years before his passing in 2016. Elaine’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. The family cherished outdoor adventures, especially camping in Tabiona and Bear Lake, creating lifelong memories together.

Elaine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, always committed to serving others. She and her husband opened their doors to those in need, often fostering local children (Arlen and Elwyn Taylor) and providing them with loving care. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she bore a strong testimony of her Savior and sought to emulate His example of charity and compassion. Throughout her life, she served in various capacities within the Syracuse and Syracuse South Stakes, including roles in the Relief Society, Young Women’s, and Primary organizations. She was a dedicated and faithful visiting teacher, known for her compassionate service and genuine care for all in need.

Elaine was an artistic and creative soul, with a keen eye for detail and a deep love for all things beautiful. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, diamond art, making ceramics, and especially quilting. As a member of her local quilt club, she shared her passion by teaching others the timeless art of quilting and hand embroidery. She loved gifting her handmade doilies, Afghan blankets, and, whenever a family member or friend was married or had a baby, she would present them with one of her beautifully hand-sewn quilts. The quality, craftsmanship, and, above all, the love poured into each quilt have made them cherished heirlooms that will be treasured for generations. Elaine also had a sweet tooth and loved baking delicious treats for her family and friends. But more than baking, she adored eating desserts—especially carrot cake with lots of frosting, root beer floats, ice cream, Snickers bars, and donuts. Honestly, she would never turn down any delectable, sweet treat.

Elaine was a bright light in the world, loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. While our hearts are heavy with grief at her passing, we find comfort in our sweet memories of her and in the knowledge that we will be reunited with her through the atonement of our Savior.

Elaine is survived by her children, Alan (Shree), Vickie (Siemon), Sheryl (Chuck), Keith (Carol) and Kyle (Summer); her brother, Russel (Sharlene); 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lionel, her sister Anna, and her cousin and best friend, Joyce Gailey.

Viewings will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Syracuse Lindquist Mortuary.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Syracuse Lindquist Mortuary.

Elaine will be laid to rest in the Syracuse Cemetery alongside her beloved husband.

The Nance family sincerely thanks Ashley Fullmer at Atlas Homecare and Hospice and Danny Ercanbrack for making Elaine’s final days comfortable. We appreciate your compassionate care and support. A special thank you is extended to Whitney Zeller, her caretaker and CNA, for the last two years. Your dedication not only provided Mom with the help she needed but also brought her companionship and friendship. We are forever grateful for your kindness.