Barbara Swain Frodsham

In loving memory of Barbara Swain Frodsham who passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, at the age of ninety. Barbara was born on January 14, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Earl Eugene and Mae Leal Swain. Barbara graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Music minor. While at BYU she met Frank Earl Frodsham, both members of the Rodeo Club. They were married on September 13, 1955, in the Salt Lake City Temple and eventually became the proud parents of seven children. Barbara considered her family to be the “jewels in her crown.” Her commitment to her children included teaching them to work and play hard together. 

Barbara delighted in motherhood and being a homemaker. She was a wonderful cook and made the most delicious breads of all kinds. There was nothing she enjoyed more than serving a family dinner. Her home reflected her personality, creativity, and love of all things Western. She loved to decorate her home for every holiday. She poured her heart into her yard, cultivating a garden that blossomed under her care and became a peaceful haven to all those who visited.

Barbara shared her love of horses with her family and community as a member of the Twin Star Riding Club for over 60 years and was a fierce competitor. She won multiple awards culminating with a Pairs Pleasure State Championship at the age of eighty. Frank and Barbara were honored to serve as the Grand Marshals twice in the Farmington Festival Days and the Bountiful Handcart Days celebrations.

Barbara was a very accomplished pianist and loved to share her talents. She imparted her love of music to countless youth as a piano teacher for over 60 years. She served as a ward organist for decades. Barbara also served at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and the LDS Conference Center by playing the piano and creating beautiful background music for visitors from all over the world. 

As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Barbara exemplified love and service. Her daily reading of the scriptures to her children and weekly temple attendance was the foundation of her testimony. She and Frank served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois. The experiences on her mission brought her joy and happiness.

Barbara’s compassion knew no bounds. She served with organizations such as Pennies by the Inch, volunteered in local schools to help struggling readers and supported local civic events. Her desire to serve members of the community led her to organize the Frodsham Community Christmas, an event held in Farmington for over 34 years. Frank and Barbara were honored to receive the Utah State Award from the Freedom Foundation in recognition of this event. Together, Frank and Barbara received many other community awards as well. Frank and Barbara’s generosity and service blessed countless lives and Barbara was the driving force behind all they did. 

Barbara’s legacy of faith, family, and service will forever inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind memories filled with music, horses, and acts of kindness that will continue to resonate in our hearts. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by her grace and unwavering spirit. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Mae Leal Swain, her husband Frank Earl Frodsham, and her son Bret Frodsham. She is survived by two well-loved horses, her children Judy (Rick) Anderson, (Kristi) Frodsham, Linda (Frank) Greenwood, Bruce (Heidi) Frodsham, Suzette (Brad) Cottrell, Joseph (Bridgette) Frodsham, Jacob (Christianne) Frodsham, thirty-two grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren and counting. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Farmington 4th Ward building, 2110 North Main Street, Centerville, Utah. A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah, and Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be at the Farmington City Cemetery. 

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will appear below.