Sherry Dianne Taylor Swinney

Our wonderful, beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Sherry Dianne Taylor Swinney, 79, peacefully departed this life on the morning of May 18, 2024, with her devoted sweetheart by her side after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Sherry was born on February 23, 1945, in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah. As the cherished daughter of Clarence and Marion Taylor and the youngest sibling to three adoring older brothers. She was fondly referred to by her father as “the apple of my eye”. Sherry’s early years were filled with laughter and adventure with her extended family in the bustling Victorian home across from Trolley Square. Her childhood was a symphony of song, dance, and playful mischief.

Sherry attended East High in Salt Lake and graduated from Olympus High in 1963. She attended the University of Utah after high school. Later, as her kids got older, she pursued her passion in Fine Arts at Weber State University. Sherry’s artistic talents shone brightly across mediums like art, including painting, photography and jewelry making. Her creative brilliance was celebrated with numerous awards, including the Dean’s Choice Award at Weber State University for a photograph that was added to the permanent collection at the Eccles Art Center. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she found joy in sewing, cooking, canning, gardening, and hiking.

In 1971 Sherry met Duane on a blind date through the matchmaking efforts of her brother Gil with whom Duane worked. Their connection was instant. It was a “true love at first sight” moment. Their love grew swiftly, and they were soon engaged. Duane joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple on December 1, 1972. Their enduring love story is evident in the dedicated love and care Duane gave Sherry as her health began to decline in the last few years of her mortal existence.

After living a while in Southern California, they moved to Salt Lake and eventually settled in Brigham City where they lovingly raised their six children.

Sherry loved being involved in church and was very active in every ward she attended. Using her creativity to the fullest, she was a wonderful Relief Society teacher, Primary president, and activity days leader. Her favorite calling was alongside Duane when they were called to be activities committee chairs and planned the most unforgettable ward parties. They also loved serving as missionaries for the Special Needs Institute. Sherry loved to bear her testimony to non-members with whom she came in contact. She loved the Lord and believed with all her heart in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sherry was a full-time devoted mother and loved to laugh, sing, and dance around the house with her children. They loved her fiercely and thought that she was absolutely hilarious as well as the most beautiful mother a person could have. Long talks, stories, games, pranks and more laughter was the norm. She instilled in her children the values of gospel teaching and the importance of service; it was second nature to her. She was always baking something for someone. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren and would do anything for them. She also loved her extended family and loved to be with them, especially her cousin Vickie who she thought of as a sister.

Sherry’s family feels extremely blessed to have had her in our lives. Surviving is her husband, Duane; her children, Dianne Carlson (Ricky), Arianne Swinney-Griggs (Robert), April Lund (Tim), Todd Swinney (Yolanda), Chantelle Jones (Warren); 20 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sweet daughter Brittany Smith, her parents and her brothers, Dick, Junior, and Gil.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Markeson, Bristol Hospice, as well as the compassionate CNAs and nurses who provided care and comfort to Sherry. They would also like to thank all the wonderful members of the Forest Hills Ward who selflessly gave so many hours of their time and service to our family. We are forever grateful.

Viewings will be held Friday, May 31, 2024, at Myers Mortuary 205 South 100 East, Brigham City, Utah from 6:00-8:00pm and Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 12:00-12:45 p.m. prior to the funeral service at Forest Hills Ward. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Ward, 25 North 300 East, Brigham City, Utah. Interment will follow the service at the Brigham City Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Brigham City.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.myers-mortuary.com.