MARYSVALE — Archie Keith Barben lived an extraordinary life. He was born on May 5, 1936. His parents were Archie Frank Barben and Eddys Bennett Barben. He grew up in Delta, with 3 siblings, Gordon, Colleen and Linda. His years in Delta were full of adventure and hilarious antics, but Keith was always willing to serve our Savior and was among some of the first missionaries to serve in Hong Kong……3 years. His love of God and love of people guided him throughout his life. Remarkably he still spoke the Cantonese language fluently for the rest of his life.
He earned a degree in Geology at Utah State University where he met the love of his life, McVoy Henrie, and in his own words “They had a hot thing going!” Their love and respect for one another was obvious to all who knew them, and they were sealed for eternity Sept. 16, 1960, in the Manti temple. They began in Logan where Keith worked for Thiokol as a chemist, then moved to the Elbow Ranch, near Marysvale, where they would spend the rest of their lives. Keith deeply loved his family and sacrificed his own aspirations and dreams to provide for 11 children. In addition to raising their own family, they helped foster boys to change their lives as well.
Keith owned Barben’s Photography and Richfield Camera, then worked as a welder in the SUFCO coal mine for 25 years. He sold Capp Homes and won trips around the world. After retirement he was able to realize a dream of his, “Geosearch” aka “The Rock Shop.”
Keith loved rocks and gemstones, but mostly he loved to share his excitement of rocks with other people, Keith was very kind and would drop everything to go show clients the petroglyphs or where to find rocks or feed a village with the tomatoes grown from his greenhouse. Keith left a legacy that will live on through eternity. He was truly a man of integrity who taught the gospel by living it. He was a man without guile with genuine concern for his fellow men. We will always remember staying up late with mom and dad discussing the gospel, fixing all the world’s problems, and laughing uncontrollably. Keith and Mikki were always at each other’s side, and we rejoice that they are united once again but saddened by the loss of this great cornerstone in our lives. We love you, Dad! Thank you for honoring your most important titles as husband and father. You are the best father a son or daughter could have had.
Keith died in his home March 20, 2023, of complications due to a brain bleed that occurred Jan. of 2021, and was preceded in death by his wife McVoy; his parents; and grandson, Jacob Honsinger.
He is survived by his siblings; his children, Michael (Alayna-deceased), Logan; Kristi (Ken) Bringhurst, Santa Clara; Jeffery (Alexia), Mendon; Steven (Kerly), Orem; Wayne (Tami), Payson; Sharmi (Brian) Crowther, Richfield; Kami (Caleb) Honsinger, Plumas Lake, California; Gary, Annabella; Alan (Crystal), Payson; Jordan (Mandy), Enoch; and Rhett, Marysvale; and 39 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Friends and family may pay their respects to Keith and his family, from at 10 to 11:45 a.m. Friday, April 7, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 432 West Bullion Avenue in Marysvale. His funeral will then be held at noon. His interment will be at the Barben Family Cemetery.
Funeral services were provided by Walker Funeral Home. We thank all those who have done so much to help and comfort our father and family.
