Rowland Barton Yardley

Rowland Barton Yardley, 80, passed away on April 23, 2023 peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a 10 year battle with cancer. He was born on June 19, 1942, in Beaver, Utah to William (Bill) and Hazel Barton Yardley. As a child Rowland spent most of his days milking cows, digging ditches, working hard, and occasionally attending school. He played basketball, football, and was an exceptional boxer. Rowland graduated from Beaver High in 1960. 

Shortly after high school he enlisted in the National Guard and served in the Utah 222 division. Rowland served the Texas area as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He loved the people of Texas and made many lifelong friends from there.  

Rowland returned from his mission and met the love of his life and after 4 dates proposed to the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Mary Linda and Rowland were married and sealed for all time and eternity on April 18^th, 1964, in the St. George Temple.  Together they had four children and created a life and legacy that was only read in fairy tales.  

He was a devout member of the church and held many callings, his favorite being a Sunday school teacher. He loved sharing the gospel to the teenage members of the ward. 

Rowland served as the Justice Court Judge in Beaver County for sixteen years. He always gave people the benefit of the doubt, and second chances were something he strongly believed in. He also officiated numerous weddings. He is still known as “The Judge” by many. 

Rowland bought his farm in 1966 and it became a family heritage. With a lot of blood, sweat, and tears he raised good cattle, pretty hay, a nice herd of horses. He also loved having a loyal dog. He always made sure his wife, children, and grandchildren were mounted on the best horses and had fresh roping steers. He enjoyed staying up way past midnight running steers through the chute whenever they needed practice. He followed and supported his kids and grandkids in all they did including rodeo, FFA, sporting events and livestock shows. 

Dad loved a good piece of yellow equipment and playing in the “big sandbox” as he would say.  He and Linda started Yardley Construction in 1968, and he took great pride in every job he did. You can see his expertise and hard work all over Beaver County and beyond.

Dad wore many caps: insurance agent, Justice of the Peace, farmer, rancher, construction worker, business owner and he served on many city and county boards. He could make deals with anyone and could trade a penny for a dollar. He had a firm hand shake and it was as good as any written contract.

He never met a stranger and would talk to anyone no matter who they were. He was known for running on “Yardley standard time”-at least 20 minutes late. But the greatest hats he wore were Husband, Dad, and Gramps. He loved his family with all that was in him.

He was honest, caring, strong and soft. He set a great example and was a pillar of how to love and live. His boots will never be filled. 

Rowland is survived by his wife Linda, Children Danny (Michelle) Yardley, Malissa (Ryan) Anderson, Marci (Brady) Webster, and Travis Yardley.  Eighteen grandchildren, and 13 Great Grandchildren. His brother Cliff (Nancy) Yardley and Brother-in-law Ray Alan Yardley and many Nieces and Nephews.  He was proceeded in death by his parents, grandparents, in-laws, sisters Beth Yardley and Eudora Carter, his brother and sister-in-law Bill and Norda Barton and sister-in-law April Rollins Yardley. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Rhett Smith and Home Health and Hospice, especially Melanie, Becky, Amber, Kenadee, Penny, Rachelle, and Paul. He sure loved his “girls and Paul”.

Funeral services for Rowland will be held on Saturday, April 29^th 2023 at 1:00pm at the Beaver Stake Center (1350 East 200 North Beaver Utah). His viewing will be held Friday, April 28^th 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the stake center. There will also be a viewing prior to the services on Saturday April 29^th 2023 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.  Burial in the Mountain View Cemetery in Beaver under the direction and care of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.

“You can do it.”