Marva Tuttle Barnett, age 93, died of pneumonia on May 2, 2006, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born on April 24, 1913, in Spanish Fork, Utah, Marva will be remembered from Utah to Virginia to Taiwan as amazingly wise, strong, kind, patient, and always thoughtful of others. She believed in open communication and lived toward realizing her wish "that the time will come when all people, regardless of age, race, religion, or personal differences, will be treated with respect and that each child will be helped to discover and develop his or her unique talents, so essential to a rewarding, happy life." A graduate of the University of Utah, she taught Latin, English, and Shakespeare in public and private schools in Danville, Virginia; St. Anthony, Idaho; Sandy, Utah; and Salt Lake City. She taught English and technical writing at the U. of Utah. During World War II, she taught Morse code to US Army Air Corps radio operators at Scott Field, Illinois. Later a technical communications consultant, she authored three technical communications textbooks, one of which remained in print nearly 30 years. As a member of the International Society for Technical Communicators, she was a past president of the local chapter, won the National Award of Distinction as newsletter editor, and chaired the annual technical writing contest for high school students. As a member of the Utah State Chapter, Daughters of the American Colonists, she was State Regent, 1988-90. She was also a second vice-president and national defense chairman of the 20th Wm. Henry Ashley Chapter, National Society, Colonial Dames XVII century. On April 15, 1944, she married John R. Barnett, who preceded her in death on January 17, 1993. She is survived by her daughter, Marva A. Barnett; her son-in-law, Jon Guillot; her sister, Yvonne Shipley; and many nieces, nephews, and their families. Marva was preceded in death by her daughter, Karen S. Barnett; her sister, Faye Fereday; her brothers, Blaine Tuttle and Mervin Tuttle; and her parents, Haswell A. and Emily Miller Tuttle. Heartfelt thanks go to all those friends and family members who helped Marva remain independently in her home, enjoying opera, literature, cooking, and theater. A celebration of Marva and of her life will be held Friday, May 26, at 12 noon at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, where friends may call one hour prior to services. Interment at Sunset Gardens. Since Marva dedicated her professional life and much of her personal life to education, those interested are invited to contribute in Marva's name to Westminster College, 1840 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84105, or to the charity of their choice.

Published 24 May 2006 in The Salt Lake Tribune (UT)