On March 31st, 2022, Barbara “Barb” Irene Van Trump, beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away at her home in Goodyear, Arizona. The youngest of three daughters to Roger “Pete” and Mary Hebdon Peterson, Barb was born on December 11th, 1954, in Caldwell, Idaho. Pete wanted a boy to take over the farm, but with three girls, he decided Barbara would have to do. As a result, duty and the hard work of running a dairy farm dominated Barb’s childhood. This upbringing may have explained her indomitable spirit and work ethic. Barb could not be deterred once she set her mind to something. A proud member of the “Iron Butt Association,” she had no trouble handling a Harley or trekking all over the country behind the wheel of a 41-foot bus.

Barb had a nomad’s spirit that drove her from her rural environs in Idaho, first to the Air Force and then to the side of her husband, William “Bill” Van Trump. Bill was a railroad man who lived on the rail and traveled wherever the work was needed, which suited Barb, and they made their first home together in a boxcar. Soon enough, Barb gave birth to Angela, whose first crib was a dresser drawer, as Bill and Barb’s travels took them from Grand Island to Omaha to St. Louis to just about every city and town in the Midwest and West.

Tragedy and trial were sometimes companions on Barb’s travels. She lost her first son, Andrew, after five challenging years of life. But, Barb’s dauntless countenance carried her through the tough times. 

Eventually, Barb settled down for a time in Salt Lake City. There she traded her geographic restlessness for an equally varied set of occupations. From housekeeping to real estate to running a crafts and hobby shop, she did a little bit of everything. Barb resumed her travels in retirement, living at times in Colorado, Nebraska, Washington, and Arizona. She also kept an involved and diverse set of hobbies. Barb was a voracious quilter, a proud member of the Pebble Creek Rovin’ Pebbles RV club, and avid mahjong and Hand and Foot player. 

Finally, at the end of her travels, Barbara is survived by her husband, two children, Angela Fontes and Will “Buddy” Van Trump, and one granddaughter, Morgan Fontes. Memorial services will be held at the Saint Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska, at 11:15 am on May 23rd, with a reception to follow at The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel.