Longtime Emery County EMT Barbara Ann Petty Dies at 71

Petty dedicated over 20 years of service to her community as an emergency medical technician.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Barbara Ann Petty, a 71-year-old resident of Emery, Utah, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Petty spent over 20 years as an EMT for Emery County, touching many lives with her kindness and skill during emergencies. She is remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family and community.

Why it matters

Petty's passing marks the end of an era for Emery County, where she was a pillar of the community for decades as a dedicated public servant. Her long career as an EMT highlights the important role these first responders play in small towns, where they are often the frontline of emergency medical care.

The details

Petty was born in Murray, Utah in 1954 and grew up in a large family with three brothers and two sisters. She married Donald Lewis Petty in 1971, and together they raised two children, Dawna and Kenny. Petty was a devoted mother and grandmother, and also embraced her stepson Steve as part of the family. After her husband's passing in 2015, Petty remained close with her large, loving family until the end.

  • Petty was born on October 26, 1954 in Murray, Utah.
  • Petty married Donald Lewis Petty on August 21, 1971.
  • Petty's husband Donald passed away in 2015 at the age of 68.
  • Petty passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026 at the age of 71.

The players

Barbara Ann Petty

A 71-year-old resident of Emery, Utah who served as an EMT for Emery County for over 20 years.

Donald Lewis Petty

Petty's husband who passed away in 2015 at the age of 68.

Dawna

Petty's daughter.

Kenny

Petty's son.

Steve

Petty's stepson from her husband's previous relationship.

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The takeaway

Petty's decades of service as an EMT in Emery County highlight the vital role these first responders play in small communities, where they are often the frontline of emergency medical care. Her unwavering devotion to her family and community will be deeply missed.