Jill Vera Barber Gomez
Jill Vera Gomez passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at the age of 77.
Jill was born on September 21, 1947, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Raymond Douglas Barber and Emily Vera Bland. She was born a twin and shared a special bond with her brother, Jack Barber. Jill grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from Granite High School in 1965.
She was married to Antonio V. Gomez for 45 years, and together they raised four children.
Jill lived in Murray, Utah, where she lived in her cherished home for 55 years. She took great pride in it, and it was her sanctuary—filled with countless memories throughout her life.
Over the years, Jill worked in various fields—as a skilled diamond grader, a retail associate, and later earned her certification in Medical Coding and Billing. Though small in stature, anyone who met Jill knows she lived life boldly and fearlessly. It was only fitting that she proudly retired as a licensed security guard.
She had a deep and abiding love for the outdoors, especially the Uinta Mountains of Utah. These mountains held a special place in her heart, where she spent time as a child and later continued to create lasting memories while camping and hiking with her own family.
Her connection to nature extended to a love for animals and was evident in her care for all living creatures. Jill was a passionate supporter of animal welfare and wilderness conservation, contributing generously to the ASPCA, Humane Society, and The Nature Conservancy. She would feed and care for any stray that wandered into her yard—and often ended up adopting many as family pets. She had a special fondness and dedication to all her own cherished pets, who brought her joy and comfort.
Jill will be greatly missed and remembered forever.
Jill was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Barber; her mother, Emily Vera Barber; and her twin brother, Jack Barber.
She is survived by her children: Stephen Gomez, Priscilla Kowalski (Cory Kowalski), Levi Gomez III, and Jessica Ertmann; her granddaughter, Dezeray (Kowalski) Hopkins (Easton Hopkins); and her grandsons: Dominick, Anthony, and Zackary. She is also survived by her beloved pets, Luna and Tinkerbell; her best and closest friend, Gabino R.; her cousin, Brad B.; and many other dear friends and family members.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the E.R. and I.C.U. staff, doctors, nurses, and surgeons who cared for Jill over the many months leading up to her passing. Your compassion and dedication brought great comfort to Jill and to those who loved her.
In memory of Jill, the family invites you to consider making a donation to a wildlife conservation or animal welfare organization—causes that were close to her heart.