LaWanda June Howard Sutton, our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away at her home in Sandy, Utah, on April 10, 2019 at the age of 89. She was born June 15, 1929 in Pocatello, Idaho to Joseph and Edith Howard. After graduation from Pocatello High School, LaWanda attended Idaho State University until she contracted polio (the effects of which she would quietly suffer from the rest of her life). She then moved to Salt Lake City to live in the Beehive House, where she met many life-long friends. While attending LDS Business College, she met and married her sweetheart, Arthur Thayne Sutton, in the Salt Lake Temple on October 6, 1954. Together they raised two sons while moving around the country for Art's work, meeting wonderful friends in each place they lived. Art and LaWanda moved back to Utah in 1985, living in Sandy until her death. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the church in many, many capacities throughout her life.
LaWanda is survived by her sons Kirk (RaNae) and Kyle; her beloved grandchildren, Korey (Ashley), McKenzie (Tyler), and Whitney (Chad); one darling great-grandson, Beckett; brother Lynn (Sharon); preceded in death by her sweetheart, Art, and by her brother Leo (Jolene). In addition to her family, LaWanda had an unrivalled bevy of friends that she absolutely cherished and who provided her with wonderful support and love during her last years.
LaWanda had an open and loving heart and an almost uncanny ability to make friends instantly with anyone who crossed her path. She was as accepting and loving and non-judgmental as they come. She had a natural curiosity about her and loved learning about new things, new places, and new people. She was a wonderful listener and wanted to know the details of your life, asking a myriad of questions every time you were with her. These traits, among many others, almost instantly brought her the love of anyone she met and made them want to be around her more.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 19, at 2:00 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple dell Rd. (10600 So.), Sandy, Utah. Family and friends may call Thursday evening, April 18, at the mortuary from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and on Friday, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., prior to services. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com.
