Barbara Louise Householder

Barbara Louise [Halls] Householder, personification of love, light, and laughter, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 18, 2020, due to kidney failure.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Paul Householder of Mesa, AZ; Sons, Shawn Householder of Mesa, AZ, Trevan Householder (Leslie) of Queen Creek, AZ, Dean Householder (Patrice Pederson) of Salt Lake City, UT, and Kelly Householder (Tamra) of Gilbert, AZ; daughters, Trina Johansson (Eric) of Gilbert, AZ, and Stacy Householder, of Mesa, AZ; sisters, Verdene Chapman (Lamar), Anna Wilstead (Richard), and Annette Ludwig (Werner) all of San Tan Valley, AZ; brothers, Clark Halls (Susan) of Lakeside, AZ; Merle Halls (Marilyn) of Mesa, AZ; Gary Halls (Lynda) of Chandler, AZ, and Michael Halls (Judi), of Linden, AZ, and 22 adoring grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her grandson Cardon Johansson of Mesa, AZ; parents Verd and Grace [Zufelt] Halls of Mesa, AZ (formerly of Redmesa, CO); and grandparents, David and Lillian Emma [Dean] Halls, William Richard and Mary [Wheeler] Zufelt.

Barbara was born April 20, 1945 in Durango, CO and got her big heart from her father and zany sense of humor from her mother. She was born the fourth of eight children and her siblings remained impressively close throughout their lives--both geographically, and in their hearts. Their frequent get-togethers and prolific text threads evidence their great affection for one another.

In 1955, when Barbara was about ten years old, the Halls family relocated from Redmesa, Colorado to Mesa, Arizona and for the rest of her life Barbara was an “Arizona gal.” After graduating from Mesa High in 1963, she went on to attend Beauty School, and used what she learned there to bless others throughout her life.

At the urging of her sister Verdene, Barbara introduced herself to Paul at a fireside. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, AZ temple a year later on February 5, 1966. Their sweet companionship is an inspiration to all who know them. Even in her decline, every peck on the lips from Paul was met with the enthusiasm one would expect from a first kiss. Her eyes would get wide, she would blush, and say “oh boy!” or “yes sir-ee!”

Barbara was the epitome of the mother archetype, and she delighted in her children. Shawn first made her a mother in 1967; then came Trevan in 1969, Trina in 1974, Stacy in 1975, Dean in 1978, and Kelly in 1979. She was a caring, supportive, and fun-loving mom, who relished having her brood all together and would not stand for relationship issues between her children to go unresolved; those broken bridges had to be mended.

She also mothered many others to whom she did not give birth. The Householders always had an open-door, and they frequently invited those in need to join them for a meal or to stay--for weeks, months, or years! Her kids can only remember a handful of meals they did not share with someone else, and that’s beside the food she took to others. When extra friends showed up during dinner, Barbara would always give up her own seat at the table.

She was also a serial entrepreneur with a strong work ethic and boundless optimism. She did hair, cared for the elderly in the family home, and ran a pizza-making business with the kids. Later on she bought Kandy Korner and expanded it into FunCity Costumes, the largest costume store in the East Valley.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life, Barbara’s lighthearted nature and love for children was frequently utilized in the primary and nursery. She also served often as a ward and stake missionary where she fellowshipped new friends with open arms.

Barbara loved pulling off a good prank, snuggling babies, dressing up in glamorous costumes, and wearing her cat Tikka like a blanket. Her friends and family loved her warm hugs, home-made bread, positive affirmations, bread, compassion, bread, and her bread. (Also her cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, and pizza crust--all from the same cherished family recipe as the bread.)

The peacefulness of her passing was a final testimony of her faith in Jesus Christ, His plan of happiness, and eternal families. Even the timing of her passing was a last act of service to her family who all wanted to be with her. Barbara’s generous heart, smiling face, and listening ear will be missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be broadcast online, due to COVID-19, on Friday, August 28th, starting with a viewing at 10:30am, followed immediately by the funeral at 11am. Watch it live or later at http://bit.ly/barbarafuneralservice. Sign the online guest book and leave condolences at http://bit.ly/rememberingbarbara.

Interment to follow at the Mesa City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to (http://bit.ly/supportingbarbara).