Obituary: Barbara J. Sceili

Barbara J. Sceili 1927 ~ 2005 On July 15, 2005, the world lost a great lady. The family of Barbara Jeanne Sandberg Sceili is celebrating her wonderful life. Bobbie was the epitome of class, compassion and composure, with her wry sense of humor intact right to the very end. Born August 10, 1927, Bobbie was the eldest daughter of Elmer T. Sandberg and Dorothy Ann Bates Sandberg. She grew up in Sugarhouse and attended high school at South High. She then transferred to, and graduated from, Paso Robles High School in San Luis Obispo, CA at the age of 16 after her father was activated in the National Guard during World War II. She was so proud of her father and the service he rendered for his country. She met Vernon Sceili (or 'Sceili' as she affectionately called him) during her time at South High School. They were married for 45 years and together raised six beautiful children. Bobbie was very athletic and enjoyed skiing, swimming, tennis, bowling, and especially fishing at Strawberry Reservoir. She spent many happy afternoons at the baseball field. Even after Sceili died, she continued to watch many sports on television. Everyone was welcome to watch "the big game" with her. Music held a special place in her heart. She took pleasure in playing the piano and listening to her grandchildren play too. She always enjoyed singing carols at Christmas parties. Education was also very important to Bobbie and she was an avid reader as well. At one point, she worked full-time, raised her family, and attended Westminster College part-time in order to achieve her goal of earning a college degree. She reached this goal in 1987 at age 59, graduating with a BS in Behavioral Sciences. She loved her career in social work and especially her work with the Norm Anderson Award Committee. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lived in the Brookshire Ward more than 40 years. Above all, her family was most important to her. She was known for her open door (literally) and her attentive ear. Many, many people from all different walks of life sat at her kitchen table. Through her shining example, she taught us patience, tolerance, generosity, and unconditional love. Even at the very end, she was worried about getting out birthday cards. She showed amazing strength in the face of adversity. She was so supportive of her family, unfailingly attending every game, performance and recital she possibly could, sometimes traveling many miles to do so. She was the rock on which our family was built and the glue that holds us together. She leaves behind her family who all love her so dearly, her sister, Sharon Arnold; children, Scott (Judy), Gregory (Florie), Cynthia (Mike) Murphy, Susan, Stephanie (Mike) Luamanuvae; and daughter-in-law, Barbara (Barry); her grandchildren, Jody, Justin, Jeffrey (Chrystie), Jamie, Kim, Alicia, Aaron, Rickale (Armando), Sara (Travis), Spencer, Mickey (Annelise), Connie (Adam), Jeff, Lisa (Scott), Emilee, Alexandria and Landon, and Mallory Beau; great-grandchildren, Ashlee, Halen, Cara, Ivy, Elliana, Madeleine and Zackary; and great great-grandson, Braden; and many nieces and nephews. She is enjoying a glorious renunion with her parents; husband and fishing partner, Vernon Hawkshaw Sceili; sister, Judith Ann Sandberg Larimer, and her husband, David; her brother, Frederick "Rick" Sandberg; youngest son, Barry T. Sceili; baby boy (died at birth); and her special Auntie, Flo. Funeral services will be held Wed-nesday, July 20, 7 p.m. at Wasatch Memorial, 3401 South Highland Drive, with a viewing Tuesday, July 19th from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Barbara, Karen, Debbie, Tamber, and Gwenyth, at CNS Hospice for their compassionate care of our mother during her last days.