Montpelier, VT Barbara Ann Millar, 88, died Saturday, September 5th at Heaton Woods in Montpelier, after a long illness. Her family had been at her bedside. Born September 24, 1926, in Waltham, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Carl E. Backman and Margaret (Tuttle) Backman. After graduating from high school, she attended Colby College in Maine. She worked at the National Life Insurance Company in Montpelier for many years. At the time of her retirement, she held the position of computer systems analyst. In April of 1948, she married Robert Locke Millar, in Massachusetts. Together they moved to Vermont and raised a family, first living in Essex Junction, then settling in Montpelier. He died in 1975. Barbara had a lifelong love of all things outdoors, including sailing, skiing, mountain climbing, tennis, swimming, skating, kayaking, and bicycling. She taught all of her children to ski almost as soon as they could walk, and took great pleasure in teaching them as many outdoor activities as she could, instilling a love of nature and the outdoors in all her children. She particularly loved sailing and skiing and spent much of her retirement sailing on Lake Champlain. In April of 1984, she married longtime companion Gladwyn Utton of Montpelier. They spent many happy times sailing together and visiting the ocean in Maine, which Barbara loved. He died in 1985. In her later years, Barb traveled widely, sailing and hiking in remote places, and visiting unique sites such as the Galapagos Islands. She hosted many family gatherings at her home, and particularly enjoyed picking out special gifts for her grandchildren. Barbara was a longtime member of the Green Mountain Club, hiking many of the mountains of Vermont, often with her dog Holly at her side. As an expression of her love of animals, birds, and the outdoors, she also held memberships in organizations dedicated to the protection of animals and wilderness, including The Humane Society and many others. Barbara is survived by four children: Laurie King and husband David, of Montpelier; Bruce Millar and wife Laura of Essex Junction, VT; Sue Millar and fiance Steven Graves of Barre, VT and Fairfax, VT; and Richard Millar of Shelburne, VT. Barbara also cherished the memory of her infant daughter Amy Sue, who died in 1955. She leaves six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, her brother Roger Backman and wife Gloria, of Wayland, Massachusetts; sister-in law Betty Backman of Kittery, Maine, and eight nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her younger brother, Carl, Betty's husband, who died in 2011. Guare and Sons Funeral Home of Montpelier is handling the arrangements. The family will hold a private graveside ceremony to celebrate Barbara's life at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier VT 05601.