Barbara S Tarran

Barbara (Schenck) Tarran, 82, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Barbara was born on April 18, 1943, to Russell and Lolene (Stapley) Schenck, the third of four children— Gail, Gary, and Kent. She grew up in Provo, Utah, where she graduated from Provo High School in 1961 before attending the University of Utah.

In 1963, Barbara married Tom Berg, and had two sons, Thomas Wyman Berg Jr. and Joshua Russell Berg. A devoted and loving mother, she created a home filled with laughter, support, and encouragement. For a short time, Barbara and the boys also lived in St. Croix, adding to their adventures and shared memories.

Barbara enjoyed two remarkable careers. She began at AT&T, where her dedication, professionalism, and vibrant personality made her a valued and respected colleague. Later, she transitioned to Intermountain Health, serving for many years as a Physician Recruiter. In this role, she excelled at connecting talented physicians with opportunities to serve the community, building lasting relationships and earning the admiration of those she worked with. In both careers, Barbara was known for her work ethic, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to excellence.

Later in life, Barbara reconnected with her high school friend, Robert Tarran, and the two married. She warmly welcomed Robert’s three children—Bret, Brad, and Brooke—loving them as her own. Together, Barbara and Robert embraced life’s adventures, traveling the world—from Africa to Paris, Egypt to Rome—always chasing the perfect weather and new experiences. They cherished time spent at their homes in Mexico, their beloved Avenues home in Salt Lake City, and their summer retreat in Spencer, Idaho, where friends, children, and grandchildren gathered for long, joy-filled summer visits.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and a fiercely loyal friend. She had an extraordinary gift for making those around her feel valued and loved, and she built lifelong friendships wherever she went. Her warmth, kindness, adventurous spirit, and true unconditional love enriched the lives of everyone she knew.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Robert Tarran of Salt Lake City; her children: Bret (David) Laino of Aarhus, Denmark; Wyman (Rene) Berg of Oakley, Utah; Brad Tarran of Toquerville, Utah; Josh Berg of Salt Lake City; and Brooke Tarran of Toquerville, Utah; her cherished grandchildren, Alex and Hallie Berg; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Lolene Schenck, her brothers, Kent and Gary Schenck; and her first husband, Tom Berg.

The family would like to express gratitude to the team at Wellington and Berg Mortuary for their care and compassion.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held in Spencer, Idaho, this fall, where family and friends will gather to honor her remarkable life and the love she shared so generously. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.bergmortuary.com.