Barbara H Stugart

Heaven gained a beautiful angel on October 4, 2025 when Barbara Virginia Hopkins Stugart, 91, passed away peacefully in Syracuse, Utah. She was born on December 1, 1933 in Lander, Wyoming and was a Wyoming resident for 79 years, and a Utah resident for 12 years. Barbara lived a life defined by strength, selflessness, and unwavering devotion her to family.

She was born in Lander, Wyoming to Jessie Curtis (Curt) Hopkins and Helen Marie (nee’ Sedlacek) Hopkins, and also welcomed into the family by her older brother, Marvin Hopkins. Barbara lived in numerous places and went to many schools in Wyoming and Lehi, Utah as her father owned a road construction business. Her childhood was filled with many memorable experiences, including card games, fishing, camping, skiing, and outdoor games with her parents and brother, her constant companion.

She graduated from Wheatland High School in 1951 where she was active in numerous clubs and played alto saxophone in school and dance bands. Barbara attended the University of Wyoming for one year performing with the marching and jazz bands. She graduated from Rapid City Business College, and began working for the Farm Bureau in Wheatland.

Barbara met the love of her life, Arthur (Art) Stugart in Wheatland. They were sweethearts and wrote many letters to each other while he served in the Korean War. Upon his return, they were married on December 23, 1956. They moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and she began working for Prudential Insurance. Barbara and Art were proud to be founding members of the North Christian Church in Cheyenne and were faithful followers of Christ. They also were active members of the Telephone Pioneers and Good Sam’s Club volunteering for many charitable events.

She was a loving and devoted mother to three children – Sheryl, Brian, and Valarie. She was involved in their childhood as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout Cubs den mother, school room mother, 4‑H leader, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School teacher. Barbara ensured her children were involved and helped with any interest they desired – dance, piano, saxophone, choirs, clubs, and church.

As her children grew older, she blossomed into completing a 20-year career as manager/president of the Cheyenne Union Pacific Credit Union, renamed Cheyenne UP Credit Union under her leadership to expand the membership. She successfully oversaw the construction of a new building which was paid for within three years. Barbara was known to be straight forward, fair, honest, and cared deeply for her credit union members and staff.

After retiring, Barbara and Art enjoyed many adventures traveling to places such as Hawaii, the northern tier of states, Alaska for two summers, and Yuma, Arizona during the winter. Her brother, Marvin, traveled with them many times.

As each of her children and grandchildren married, she warmly adopted them as her own “sons”, “daughters”, “grandsons”, and “granddaughters.” Each knew they were loved and appreciated which was evidenced by the many visits each made to see her, take her for rides, do jigsaw puzzles, and play games together.

Two years after her husband’s passing, Barbara moved to Syracuse, Utah in 2013 to live closer to her daughters. She became actively involved in the Trailside Ladies Club, the Syracuse Senior Center, and Mountain Road Evangelical Presbyterian Church, including the Ladies Prayer Shawl and Ladies Bible study groups.

Barbara was extremely gifted in arts and crafts. She made beautiful quilts and joined quilt clubs in Cheyenne; Yuma, Arizona; and Syracuse, Utah. Her children received wonderful gifts of handcrafted clothes. She also crocheted ring bearers pillows, and flower girl baskets for their weddings. Each grandchild and great-grandchild received gifts of crocheted blankets, baby quilts, and receiving blankets. When great-grandchildren turned two, the girls received handcrafted doll quilts and pillows, and the boys received monkey backpacks. She worked on wood projects with Art creating cherished holiday décor for each family. The aroma of homemade applesauce, canned peaches, and desserts filled her kitchen. She patiently and beautifully shared these talents with her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren. Barbara was a natural born teacher.

In 2023, Barbara moved into Beehive Homes of Syracuse. She became active in activities, bingo, bus rides, sing‑alongs, created interest in others in jigsaw puzzles, and reading. She was delighted when her brother joined her at Beehive recently in December 2024. They would smile and light up when they saw each other at every meal and loved lunch outings together.

Barbara was at the heart of her family, and a woman of quiet, but undeniable influence. She taught those around her the value of independence, the importance of hard work, and the meaning of putting family first. Her love was steady and unconditional, and she gave of herself freely, always placing other’s needs ahead of her own.

Though gentle and kind, Barbara was also a force to be reckoned with. She could out fish her beloved husband and held her own in any card or board game, often with a mischievous grin that revealed she was a step ahead. Her competitive spirit and sharp wit made her unforgettable, and her presence filled every room with warmth and joy.

Barbara’s family will forever cherish the lessons she imparted, the laughter she shared, and the love she poured into every moment. While her passing leaves our hearts heavy, there is comfort in knowing she is reunited with her husband in peace.

Barbara is survived by two daughters, Sheryl (Bill) Jesse, of Layton, Utah; Valarie (Marty) Qualls of West Point Utah; daughter-in-law Lynn Stugart of Greeley, Colorado. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Megan Jesse (Casey) Fisher; Dustin (Lacey) Qualls; Nichole Jesse Spencer, Sarah Stugart (Mike) Dombrowski; Rachel Stugart, and Danielle Stugart. Nine great-grandchildren also survive her – Locke Fisher; Livia, Lila, and Lottie Qualls; Camden and Graycen Spencer; Josh, Eva, and David Dombrowski. Sister-in-law, Patty Stugart of Ft. Collins, CO, and eight nieces and nephews also survive her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband; son, Brian Stugart; granddaughter, Jenna Qualls; and her parents.

Barbara’s family wishes to express deep appreciation, love, and gratitude for the dedicated care by Aimee Poe and her team at Beehive Homes of Syracuse; Heather Zullo, RN and the team of Renew Hospice, and Dr. Glen Biddulph.

Graveside services will be held at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens, 4701 Christensen Road in Cheyenne, Wyoming on Saturday, October 18 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of Barbara’s favorite charities, the Utah Food Bank, 3150 South 900 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119, phone 801-978-2452.