Barbara K. Gendel
July 19, 1941 - September 5, 2017
"Taylor, Pellum, Davis"
Born July 19,1941 in Panguitch, Utah passed away on September 5, 2017 peacefully surrounded by her family. She had many names, however Gladys, Doris and Grammers were the most memorable.
Anyone who knew mom will remember her for her endless hard work at everything she did, zest for life, beauty and timeless elegance, as well as being the life of the party. Mom's perseverance would shine through any endeavors, never knowing how to do anything halfway. "Firm, Fair and Flexible" was her life motto, whether it be professional or personal.
Mom always had the time to listen, show compassion and give good sound advice when you needed it most. She had a way of picking you up when you were down, lifting your spirits when you were low, and making you feel on top of the world before you knew it. Holidays with mom felt bigger than life. She had a way of creating unforgettable experiences and memories.
We always told mom she should write a book about her life experiences, because it was truly a fairytale. Growing up in the small town of Panguitch, Utah, she was a cheerleader and won best dressed in High school. After graduation, she moved to Salt Lake City to attend Darrell's Beauty School. She became a hair dresser and soon after opened her own Salon. Shortly after, she met and married Gayle Taylor and together had a son Kevin. Even though they divorced, they remained great friends. She then married Ray (Tex) Pellum and together they had two children, Kimberly and Chance. She went on to manage several different restaurants (The Cowboy Grub, The Towne Hall, The Cream and Sugar), all the while continuing her beauty business out of the small closet in our house, a revolving door of clients coming with a scarf, and leaving with a Beehive Do and a smile.
Mom & Kevin then went on to open "The Barb Wire Social Club" and brought in many great country bands and entertainers. They were best known for their famous ham hocks and beans. Mom always seemed to get a kick out of watching Kevin remove the rowdies by the seat of their pants at the end of the night. Well that's the Bar Business. Shortly after, Mom and Tex divorced but remained friends.
Then came Harold, and Mom's life changed in so many ways. He was her Prince. The love and happiness he gave her and our family was priceless. Opening "The Utah Nut House", he knew anything she did was going to be a "winner" and it was. Working day & night and traveling back and forth to California until that fairy tale wedding on July 22nd 1984.
Mom then moved to Visalia, California and traveled back & forth to ensure her sister Bette, daughter-in-law Joni, and the rest of the gang were keeping the Nut House in line. Her life was now complete and her dream came true by building her dream house that we could all come to visit and enjoy. One year after her wedding to Harold sadness struck, Harold passed away. Soon after she came back to Salt Lake City and once again her and Kevin opened "That Taco Place", The best Sloppy Joes & Taco's around. Not feeling well while preparing for the lunch rush, mom exited the door with the final instruction to Joni and Kim her daughter of "Don't worry, I'll be back before the end of the lunch rush." If you knew our mom it was business as usual. She managed to drive herself to the hospital, and two days later underwent open heart surgery. Later we convinced mom to take a break from the stress of the restaurant, and in mom's joking fashion, she made a custom sign that read, "We've lost our minds, not our lease!" You could always count on her to make a heavy moment, lighter.
They always say you save the best for last, the Nordstrom story. Starting out in fragrances at the Murray store, then moving on to managing several departments, she loved the challenge and adventure. She went on to become a store manager in the Rack division, traveling to Maryland, Oregon, California, and then opening the first rack in Las Vegas, Nevada. Glitzy, fast paced, fun and a city that never sleeps, was perfect for our mom. Nordstrom was her life, passion and pride. She was a great mentor to many, successful in life, and a winner of many awards. However, Nordstrom's president's cup being her grand finale, and not just once but twice in a row. After going back and forth, mom hesitantly decided to retire after 20 years of true dedication and service.
Last but not least, her dear Arnold. He deemed mom's beloved nick-name Doris, due to her undeniable resemblance of Doris Day. They had a lot of fun with this in Vegas, being approached numerous times for autographs and pictures. Together they were the most striking couple in Vegas, and were well known for being accompanied by their pet companions Ava and Andee, dining alongside them in some of the finest restaurants. When visiting, their house in Las Vegas it felt like you were staying at Circus Circus.
We convinced Arnie and mom to move back to Salt Lake City, to be with our families. Even though she really never knew how to relax and not have somewhere to be, she loved her children and grandchildren beyond words and loved having us all together. Whether it was Canning, homemade Salsa, pedicures, nails, holidays, we were there together. She was a great example and taught us all to work hard and play harder.
Preceded in death by her parents, Gwen and Lynn Davis; stepfather Garn Edwards; and brothers Baby Ken, Doug and Grant Davis. Survived by her sister Bette Davis; son Kevin (Lupe) Taylor; daughter, Kimberly Pellum (Steve); son Chance (Nikki) Pellum; grandchildren Darnell (Danyel) Jones, Bentley, Alex and Kennedy Taylor, Bronson and Nicolas Bravo, Sutton and Texie Pellum; great grandchildren Hartley Rose and Harper Jaz Jones, Braevon Bravo; niece, Carolyn Davis; nephews Darren Davis and Jonnie (Sarah) Thomas; and great nephew Charlie Thomas.
Mom had a special love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and looked forward to the updates on Chiladelphia on Charlie.
We would like to extend a special thanks to Crissy Pellum and Joni Taylor who were like her own, loved her and spent many years with her. Arlene Pellum for her love and friendship till the end. Ginny Yee always made mom a priority in her daily life and gave her unconditional love and care the past few years. A special thanks to Kimberly for fighting the battles that mom no longer had the strength to and taking such good care of her. Kim was her advocate and a constant provider through the difficult times. We couldn't have done it without all of you.
Words cannot express our gratitude to the staff at "The Lodge" for their love, care and genuine compassion through this difficult journey, and to Claudia from Hospice for Utah.
Mom we will always remember your signature word when having fun "Yee Haw!"
A Celebration of her life will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.
In Loving Memory
My dear friend Barbara, you were truly the most fun and caring person ever. I have loved you since the first day I met you. You were the only person who could do my hair so perfectly. I love your family, Grant, Bette, and your sweet mother. Your children Kevin, Kimberly and Chance are so blessed to have you as their Mother. My memories with you will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm so sorry I cannot be to your celebration of life event, I send my love to your family at this time. Jo (Cook) Winston. Todd and Traci send their best also.
Joalene Winston
Bountiful, Ut
Hi Kevin and Kimmie and Chance, It's been along time since we were playing together as little kids, watching golfers, and eating your Mom's great taco's. Our path's crossed a few times here and there over the years, but it's been a while! Your mom was one of my favorites!!! Sorry I cannot attend the celebration event. I hope you all are doing well! All the best, Todd Cook
Todd Cook
nan, nan
What a thrill it has been to have this beautiful woman as my mother in law. Our time was short but full of sweet memories and love. You took me and my boys into your home and heart without hesitation. You shared your fun stories and gave inspiring words of wisdom to us . We could always count on your sweet smile and hugs to greet us. I will cherish the moments we shared alone as you would talk to me about my darling husband Kevin. Your support and love for our marriage made difficult times easier and fun times even more fun. You were more than a mother to Kevin you were his best friend, cheerleader, partner, biggest fan and arms of comfort through thick and thin. I believe that all people are put into our lives for a reason. You my dear gave me the love of my life and my promise to you is I will be there for him just the way you always were. We will honor your memory each and every day living our life to the fullest, laughing often, loving deeply, and being each others best friends now. Keep watch over us sweet Gladys we won't let you down. "Yee haw! Lupe Taylor
Lupe Taylor
Holladay, Ut
September 11, 2017 Thinking of you all! Renee Boudiette-King, Leawood, Kansas September 11, 2017 Kim, Kevin, Chance and grand children: Words can Not express my dearest Sympathy during these times. I am Kims bestfriend from sixth grade so you all probably don't remember me. Your mom was a very,loving caring, sincere person to me for many years while I lived there. She took me in as one of her own and would always had talks with me with words of encouragement. She was an inspirement. You all meant the world to her. I know there are no words at this time that can make things easier, except knowing how much you all meant to her. I'd like to say things get easier, but it doesn't. Try to remember the good times and know that the he eyes brightened to room when one of you came in to visit. Wish I was closer, hope you can all feel my love from away. I will be thinking and praying for you always Renee' Boudiette-King, Leawood, Kansas September 10, 2017 Kim I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. I have thought about her many time over the years since I worked with her at Nordstrom. I lost track of her and new she was in Las Vegas so since I'm now in Mesquite I wanted to see if I could find her. We had a lot of fun time during and after work. Thank you for share all these wonderful pictures My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sue Margetts West September 10, 2017 Mom, It's one thing reading the obituary's on Sunday mornings however seeing your beautiful face today brought me to my knees.... I wanted more time with you to catch up on all that was on my bucket list with you.. I can't believe how you truly worked yourself to death,until now... You lived a fairy tale life and defiantly deserved it.... I hope I made your life the past few years a little Worth hanging on. I was so proud of your grace and beauty my whole life and wanted the same for you until the end... Thank you for ALL you did for our entire family to make our life a memorable one. I know your in heaven with so many that truly loved you.... Give Dad a kiss for me and tell him all about the new TEXIE in our family to carry his name and little Braevon RAY,Hartley Rose and Harper Jaz.... He loved babies.. I saw this beautiful smile and knew Harold would be there with his hand out... Love you and thank you for being a Great example in my life. Love you to the moon and back! Kimbo......
Kimberly Pellum
Salt lake, Ut
My beautiful, "wicked" and fun step-mother! What a difference you made in my life. I was lucky and grateful to live with you and Dad for my first year of high school. You taught me so much and we laughed so hard. Thank you for being someone I could look up to and admire. You really were someone unique and wonderful in small ways and large. I learned to enjoy and love family life because of you. You were delighted when I was happy and understanding when I wasn't. What a lovely role model. Thank you for giving me a whole new view of what is important in life. We had fun is what I remember most. To Kevin, Kim and Chance I am so sad not to be with you but you are all in my heart and your Mom will be there forever. Love to all, Crissie
Crystal Pellum Knapp
Longmont, Co
Dear Kim, My condolences on the loss of your beautiful mom. (You look like her!) I lost my Mom last November and I feel the same ache you must be feeling now. Please know that your Mom loved you and was proud of you. Hugs and my love to you, too Carolyn (from water aerobics at Cottonwood heights recreation center)
Carolyn Campbell
Salt Lake, UT
What a wonderful tribute this is for Barbara. She is beautiful in every picture from each stage of her life and all the pictures of her with her grand-babies are so precious. She had such a significant impact on everyone in the family and was loved by so many people. Please know that I'm thinking of you all and I'm sorry to be far away during this time. Sending love to all of you there. Emily
Emily Knapp
Longmont, CO
Dearest Kevin, Kimberly and Chance, I am so saddened to learn of the death of your beautiful, smart and funny Mom. Barb was my friend, my mentor and balance during some rough times. I will always remember her laugh and her passionate love for life. May you hold her always in your hearts and souls, as I hold her in mine. She was truly "One Of A Kind" in every sense. The world was better with her in it. My love to you All.
Patricia Sheffield
Saint George, UT
Sadly, I am learning of Barb's passing after googling her and wondering how to find her, and it has been almost 3 years since her death. The obituary and photos perfectly capture Barb. She LOVED her family, and her life WAS fascinating. I met Barb at Nordstrom Rack and was lucky enough to be her assistant manager for a second. Yes, she was hard working, but it was her passion for life and her huge heart for others that made me want to know her forever. When I left the Rack behind, I refused to leave her behind. I kept up a correspondence with her and even visited her in Las Vegas. She was such a courageous, tell-it-like-it -is, straight shooter, who wore her heart on her sleeve and could easily shed a tear for anything and anyone she cared for. What a woman! I am so lucky to have met her. My condolences to Kim, Chance, Kevin, and all her other family. Because she had such an impact on me, I understand what you have lost.
Beth (Reed) Suby
Sedona, AZ