On December 10, 2004, Tracy Ann Barrus shed her mortal skin and passed on to a new life. She passed away at the home of her mother and stepfather, surrounded by her family. The cause of death was renal failure. She was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

Tracy led a valiant life, always touching deeply the lives of those she met. Though her frame was small, she possessed a large, bountiful spirit, which made her beloved by all who knew her. Tracy accepted her many challenges with determination and resolve to over-come.

Tracy was born February 5, 1962 to Clarence Franklin Barrus and Yvonne Deschamps Barrus in Idaho Falls, ID. At the time of her birth, Tracy had small, inadequate kidneys, and her death was anticipated in infancy. To the surprise of medical professionals, she grew into a vivacious young lady, attending Emerson Elementary and O.E. Bell Ganoin High. At the age of 13, Tracy received one of her mother’s kidneys in a kidney transplant operation.

She graduated early from Idaho Falls high School, earned her associates degree from Ricks College, graduated from cosmetology school and then served a mission for the LDS Church in Denver, Colorado. In her early twenties Tracy’s transplanted kidney rejected and she spent the rest of her life on kidney dialysis.

During that time Tracy was a cosmetologist for Alta Rowberry and a consultant for David John Studios. Later she worked as a teacher and administrator of Benjamin Franklin Academy, taking over complete operations of the school. She also enjoyed teaching piano.

During the last decade her passion has been alternative medicine, in which she excelled in natural healing. Her time was spent studying and helping herself and many others. During this time she worked at herbs for Health.

Tracy possessed a combination of deep spirituality and an incredible sense of humor that endeared her to others. She also was an artist and pianist. She loved the outdoors, planning parties, and making crafts. She served in the LDS Church in many callings, particularly enjoying the Young Women’s, the Ward and Stake Primaries, being a visiting teacher and serving as Relief Society pianist.

Many of Tracy’s medical challenges served as an opportunity to inspire others. She met each difficulty with courage and determination, always pressing forward despite these challenges. Though death knocked at her door several times throughout her life, she persisted with her indomitable spirit.

Her greatest love in life was her family. She is survived by her mother, Yvonne Barrus and stepfather, Edward Barrus of Idaho Falls; her brother Clair (Helen) Barrus of Draper, UT; sisters, Yvette (Wade) Zobell of Highland, UT; and Sheila (Geoff) Green of Cheyenne, WY; and grandparents, Frances Mitchell and Olive Deschamps, both of Malad. Tracy’s maternal love was showered on her nieces and nephews, who deeply adored their Aunt Tracy. They include Desiree Zobell, Trevor Zobell, Shailee Zobell, Trey Zobell, Amber Green, Greg Green, Hannah Green, Amelia Green, Alison Barrus and Alexandra Barrus. Our hearts have been forever touched by you, Tracy.

Funeral services were held December 14, 2004 at the Idaho Falls LDS Parkwood Ward with Bishop David Burger officiating. Burial was in the St. John Cemetery near Malad under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, Idaho Falls, ID.