Barbara was born 16 April 1928, in her Grandpa Bannister’s farm house in Hayes Center, Nebraska. Her grandmother, Ada Davis Bannister, was a practicing midwife who assisted with the birth. Barbara was the eldest of five children born to Orville Woodruff and Clara May Bannister Woodruff. She had three sisters and one brother (Janice Louise, Iris May, Dwight Eugene (“Genie”), and Vicki Gayle), whom she loved dearly, and to whom she remained exceedingly close throughout her entire life. Although her little brother died tragically at the age of ten, she never forgot him. Her sisters were always the best of friends and enjoyed many fun and exciting adventures together as they grew up.

The family moved to Greeley, Colorado, in 1937, then on to Ogden, Utah in 1943, where both of her parents found good employment at Hill Air Force Base. Barbara graduated from Weber High School in 1945 and immediately got a job at the newly built Naval Supply Depot in Clearfield, Utah. It was the beginning of her long civil service career. In April 1947, Barbara married Gerald Scott. They had 4 children: Sandra Jean, Ralph Woodruff, Geri Lynn, and Michael Eugene, who in-total blessed Barb with 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and some very sweet great-great-grandchildren. She loved and adored every one of them. In 1959, Gerald and Barbara divorced, and for the next 4 years she raised the children by herself, and of course, worked full time at Hill Air Force Base.

In 1963, Barbara married Herman “Dutch” Nellestein. He adopted 3 of the children, but the eldest, Sandra Jean, was herself married, at the time, so no adoption of her was needed. Ralph, Geri and Michael all changed their last name to Nellestein at this time. Barbara and Dutch had a wonderful long marriage. They loved each other and did everything together. Favorite pastimes were travelling, playing bridge, attending the symphony and opera, bowling, fishing, reading, Bible study, crosswords, socializing with friends, and always remaining close to her sisters and their families. She had great fun going to the casinos; especially, with her sisters; children; and youngest grandchildren, Andrew and Emily.

Barbara stepped away from her government job to work 17 years at Municipal Elementary School in Roy, Utah, as head secretary. Co-workers and everyone else associated with the school loved and respected her both personally and professionally. Eventually, she went back to Hill Air Force Base, where she was the secretary to the Base Commanding Officer until she retired for good in 1996.

Barbara was a lifelong singer and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of songs. Even up to the end of her life, she would serenade you with whatever song you could mention from her generation. Truly remarkable. She loved opera and was very involved with the Ogden Opera Guild. In 1993, she was elected President of the guild. She tirelessly supported the Opera and Symphony and held multiple fundraising events at her lovely home in Layton, Utah.

Barbara is survived by two of her three sisters, Iris and Vicki; one of her own children, Michael; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dutch; sister, Janice; her brother, Genie; her daughters, Sandra and Geri; son, Ralph; and grandchildren, Dyan, Alex and Daniel.

Barbara was a gifted, tender-hearted, and kind woman. A lifelong Christian, incredibly loving, caring, nurturing, understanding and never judgmental. She never had a cross word for anyone, and was genuinely beloved by all whom she met.

The family wishes to thank:

The outstanding staff at Fairfield Village in Layton. She loved you guys and the Baileys in her coffee every morning. You are the best!

All the staff from Visiting Angels, who cared for Barbara in her home, especially Sophie, who continued to visit with Barbara weekly after Barbara went to live at Fairfield Village. Sophie, you are a blessing and a gift from above!

Vicki Mackay, Barbara’s little sister, and her family for countless trips to visit Barb and take care of, well, everything. Also, she and my cousin Shiela, assisted greatly with the writing of this obituary, and I greatly appreciate them both.

Holly (Barb’s niece) and Russel Reeder for weekly visits and “shuttle service” to Barbs appointments, and grocery shopping etc. during the later years of her life. Truly amazing people!

Koryna Rempfer (granddaughter) for boundless support, visits, and constant love and compassion for her grandma.

Ashley (granddaughter) for lifelong support and love. Although, thousands of miles away, your frequent phone calls, gifts of flowers, and constant support helped sustain her emotionally. Additionally, your giving Barbara the gift of subscription to monthly delivery of fresh healthy meals delivered to her home (which she found delicious) sustained her physically. You are a treasure!

Marsha and Steve and Gary and Theresa. Barb’s next-door neighbors on either side. After Dutch passed in 2013, they did everything they could to take care of Mom’s every need, including household repairs, lawn maintenance, snow shoveling, meals and culinary treats! You name it and they did it. We are eternally in your debt.

Michael has written a much more extensive online obituary for Barbara. Please look at the online obituary courtesy of Myers Mortuary. www.myers-mortuary.com

God bless anyone who reads this and takes just a moment or two to contemplate Barbara and her amazing life. She was a gem and is sorely missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Barbara Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 4-7 pm. 2652 East 1600 North, Layton, Utah 84040. Please join us if you can. We would love to see you.

Arrangements under the direction of Myers Mortuary of Layton. We invite all who knew Barbara to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Each story and picture shared will continue the celebration of Barbara’s life, keeping her memory alive for us all to revisit. Let us remember her not with sadness, but with the joy and warmth she brought into our lives.