Mary Jane Barton Vuyk 1941-2018 Mary Jane Barton Vuyk was born November 26, 1941 in Monticello, Utah to Alpha Riddell Barton and Lurlene Laws. Mary Jane passed away peacefully at home, May 28, 2018. When she was six months old, her mother passed away.
Due to difficult circumstances, she went to live with the Parley and Mae Hurst family, where she was adored and loved as one of their own. In 1946, Mae passed away and Mary Jane moved to live with her father and his new bride, Bernetta Garner, who lovingly accepted Mary Jane and her siblings as her own. In the following years, two more brothers were added to their family.
She always described Bernetta as an angel. Mary Jane graduated from West High School in 1960. She attended the University of Utah, taking courses in accounting, which provided her the opportunity to work various jobs in accounting and finance.
One serendipitous Sunday night, she and a friend went for ice cream at Fendall’s in Salt Lake City. The handsome returned missionary in the booth next to them was harassing the waitress over a glass of water. Mary Jane eagerly offered him her water.
This glass of water led to a lifetime of happiness with Martinus Vuyk. Five short months later, they were married in the Logan Temple on May 3, 1963. From that marriage came five children.
Mary Jane supported Marty through 37 years as a police officer for Salt Lake City. This meant that their lives were often disrupted by late night phone calls and long working hours. She supported him and was often left alone with the children.
She worked for UHEAA for over 15 years. Mary Jane was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where she served in many callings, including Primary president and pianist. One of her favorite callings was Cub Scout leader especially for her sons.
Mary Jane loved to read. She was rarely seen without a book in hand. She loved music and was seldom without a song in her heart.
She was a talented seamstress. She loved to quilt and spent many hours making Delft blue quilts for the annual Van Komen family reunions. Mary Jane loved family.
She was loved by her many aunts, uncles, and cousins and returned that love. She loved all of Marty’s Dutch aunts and uncles and welcomed the Dutch heritage into her life. She even learned to cook many of their holiday foods.
She was the family record keeper and spent many hours ensuring that information gathered was complete and correct. This included family history and current family events. She loved her family and enjoyed making memories that will last forever.
Mary Jane is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Marty, and her children; Julie Lundgren (John L), Michelle Cloward, (Scott), John (Debra), Matthew (Christy), Michael (Candi); twenty grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her brothers, Bill, Rex, and Kirk. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Kay and Clark, and her sister Dawn.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Brighton 3rd ward chapel at 2300 East Bengal Blvd. Friends may call at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E Bengal Blvd. (7600 South) Friday, June 1, 2018 from 6-8 and one hour prior to the services on Saturday.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
