The Provo, Utah, native is the third of Robert R. and Edith Joy Clark Barrus’s nine children. Her childhood and youth were spent in Texas, Minnesota and New Jersey.

Sister Bingham met her husband, Bruce, while they were both students at Brigham Young University. While her children were in their later school years, Sister Bingham returned to college. She received a bachelor's degree and master's degree in teaching from National Louis University in Illinois. She also received associate degrees from Brigham Young University and Elgin Community College.

She taught English as a second language to elementary students at a private school, in addition to immigrants and others for nonprofit organizations. She also worked as a nurse’s aide.

She enjoys reading, outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping and canoeing; traveling; cooking for her appreciative family; and spending any time available with grandchildren.