Feb. 28, 1957-Feb. 11, 2024
Sheri Lyn Christensen passed away on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in St. George, Utah. She had battled health issues for several years but her condition deteriorated suddenly and her passing was unexpected.
Sheri was born Feb. 28, 1957, in Farmington, New Mexico, to Mary Lou Warren and James Floyd Buntin. Sheri and her sisters Debbie and Wendy lived for a time with their grandparents Arvilla and Bert Warren in Monticello, Utah. After Sheri’s mother remarried, brother Randy was born and the family moved to Largo, Florida, in 1965. Sisters Kristy and Amy joined the family after the move to Florida.
Sheri attended Largo schools from the third through the eleventh grades. With her funny sense of humor and outgoing personality, Sheri was very popular and made friends easily. She was the president of the Usherettes service club at Largo High School. She was also a member of the award-winning Largo High ‘Band of Gold’ marching band. Competition to join the band was intense and physically demanding and Sheri spoke with pride at having earned her place as a member.
During the summer of 1974 the family returned to Utah, moving to Monticello. Sheri was unhappy at the prospect of not graduating with her friends but she quickly became popular as the new girl at Monticello High School. She was cast in the role of Abby Brewster in the school play “Arsenic and Old Lace.” During the school year Sheri’s family moved to Salt Lake City but she remained in Monticello, living with her grandma once again and graduating with the MHS Class of 1975.
After several years attending Weber State College and working at various jobs Sheri returned to Monticello in 1981. The next summer an excursion to Lake Powell turned tragic as she was unable to save her brother when he died while swimming. This tragedy had a profound effect on Sheri and on the entire family.
Sheri had several jobs, eventually working at the local radio station selling air time, writing and producing commercials and doing on-air shifts. One of her advertising clients was a local new car dealership and it was during her weekly sales calls that she reconnected with Robert Christensen. After a forgettable date to the Seminary Valentine dance in 1975, Sheri and Robert had corresponded occasionally but had each gone their separate ways. As they renewed their acquaintance they soon found themselves dating and Robert proposed on Valentine’s Day in 1985. They married in September of that year and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in Monticello until 1992 when an opportunity arose to move to St. George where they remain to this day.
Sheri longed to be a mother but had no children of her own. She was fiercely protective of her siblings and they viewed her as a second mother. Sheri’s love and motherly influence extended to her nephews and nieces and to their children as well. For many years Sheri sewed Christmas Eve pajamas for each child. Sheri was known for choosing the best Christmas presents. Sheri took every opportunity to be with her family, organizing many summer vacation trips together. As the nieces and nephews reached adulthood they continued to reach out to Sheri for her love and guidance, seeking her advice and counsel often.
Sheri was a person of many talents. With her quick wit and clever sense of humor she was a natural at making up and telling stories. Her siblings fondly remember her rendition of “The Boggy Creek Monster” during one of their cross-country vacation trips. Sheri was talented musically, playing both the guitar and the organ. She had a beautiful singing voice, participating in various choral groups during her high school and college years. Sheri had a talent for writing which was evidenced during the time she worked at the radio station. Sheri was a talented homemaker and an excellent cook. She was always trying new recipes and created many delicious meals although Sheri would be the first to admit that she could not bake.
Sheri was preceded in death by her mother Mary Lou Kosanke, her sister Debbie Ortez and her brother Randy Warren Mosher. Sheri had a special relationship with her grandmother Arvilla Warren.
She is survived by her husband Robert Christensen and by her “babies” Lily and Molly. She is also survived by her sisters Wendy (Bob) Hamblin, Kristy (Steve) Brinkman and Amy Schierman as well as nephews and nieces: Shaun, Jordan, Matthew and Christian Brinkman and Kimberly Rivas; Jason Schierman and Jennifer Bell; Kelsie and Alexa DeMita and Jake Evertsen. Also surviving are great-nephews and nieces Raven Brinkman; Carter and Kiley Bell; Emma, Sam, Millie and Lilah Rivas. Sheri is also survived by her aunt, Carolyn Warren and by her sister-in-law Ruth Christensen.
A viewing will be held at Hughes Mortuary, 1037 E. 700 S., St, George, on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 6-7:30 p.m. There will be an additional viewing on Monday, Feb. 19, at the Monticello LDS Stake Center, 165 S Main St., Monticello, Utah, from noon-1 p.m. followed by a graveside service at the Monticello City Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hughes Mortuary.