Theresa Barber Graves

Born on December 18, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Theresa Graves was a cherished daughter, devoted sister, and loving mother whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was the beloved daughter of Peggy Driffill Barber, born on October 16, 1924, who sadly passed away on April 8, 2011, and Russell J. Barber, born on March 21, who left this world on August 27, 1977.

Theresa grew up in a family filled with love, sharing her childhood with three siblings:
- Francis Jane Barber Hayes, born on February 15, 1954, who passed away on November 14, 2021
- Rosemary Barber, born on August 21, 1951
- Russell J. Barber Jr., born on September 10, 1947
With the passing of Francis, Rosemary and Russell Jr. remain as the last surviving members of their close-knit family of four.

Theresa’s education was rooted in the values of her upbringing; she attended St. Francis, a private Catholic school, from kindergarten through high school, graduating with the Class of 1967.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Theresa was an active participant in sports, enjoying countless joyful moments playing softball with her sisters, and helping lead their team to victory in the city championship.

On June 27, Theresa married Keith Graves, and together they welcomed a son, Bill Graves, into their lives on July 7, 1978. Bill has two half-sisters, Pam and Brenda Graves, from Keith’s previous marriage. Although Theresa and Keith parted ways in the 1980s, the love for their son remained a shared priority.

Throughout her career, Theresa dedicated herself to multiple roles, including positions at Signetics and Barber Brothers, ultimately retiring from the State of Utah DMV in 2010 due to health issues. Known for her compassionate spirit, she formed deep connections with others and ensured that no one felt alone. Her genuine efforts for the community were honored with an award for her work with disabled children, a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Theresa's journey through life was marked by her nurturing presence, and she passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her grieved loved ones, including her sister and son, on February 17, 2025, at the age of 76. Her legacy of love and compassion will forever be remembered by those who were fortunate to know her.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 7, 2025 at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 65 East 500 North, Orem, Utah. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.