Our beloved Mother, Erva (Irva) Wright Hanks, 97, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Heavenly Father and many awaiting family members, with daughter, Joan, who took such loving care of her, by her side. Erva was born in what is now Orem, UT to James Amasa and Blanch Loveridge Wright.
She attended Pleasant Grove High, then Brigham Young University.Erva served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Missouri. During WWII she moved to Salt Lake City and worked in the arms plant. Later, she was employed with Max Factor, Hollywood (CA) and Utah, retiring after 13 yrs. She was always faithfully active in her church, with particular emphasis in music and later temple work. She was very involved in the American Red Cross as volunteer service and trainer. She quickly became well known for her passion for music, and was a Chorister in most wards she lived in. Erva enjoyed playing the piano, among other instruments, and singing. Music brought her so much joy and comfort, and we are grateful she shared that love with those around her. Erva was such a sweet and devoted woman, especially when it came to her family.
She married Ross Arlin Brinley having children Verle Jean, Merlyn Ross, and Gary Arlin. She later married John DeVerle Hanks and had children John Daniel and James Ronald Hanks, and Joan Erva (Hanks) Pitcher. John adopted Erva's sons, Merlyn and Gary.
She is preceded in death by her her siblings, Lovina Blanche, Amasa Wendell, and Hazel Wright, husbands and children Verle Jean, Gary Arlin, John Daniel, and James Ronald.Erva is survived by children, Merlyn Hanks (Shannon), Sandy, UT, Joan (Hanks) Pitcher, South Jordan, and Daughter-in-law Ecatarina (Kathy) Hanks, Draper, UT, grandchildren:Shelsea Pitcher Oman (Chris), Tiffany Hanks, Darren Hanks, Aaron Robinson, Adam Hanks, Brittany Hanks, John Dameon Hanks, Crystal Hanks Olsen (Troy), Sara Hanks, and Gary Schlosberg Great-grandchildren: Carissa Pitcher Cutler (Dakota), Skyeler Pitcher, Ryann, Karissa, and Christian Oman, Sebastian and Holland Hanks, Cole and Bailey Olsen, Teddy Hanks, Kiya, Willow, and Branwen Schlosberg, and great-great grandson Ryken Dakota Cutler, and another on the way.
The family would like to express deep appreciation to Utah Home Health and Hospice, particularly Yolanda, Ruth, Monica, Mark, Briggit and Rebecca for their compassionate care and loving support.
Funeral services will be held at River Ridge Stake Center, 10168 South 1100 West, South Jordan, UT, Wed May 21stat 11:00 a.m. Friends and Family may visit prior to services, 10:00-10:45 and a viewing Tues. May 20th6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E 10600 S Sandy, UT. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Please leave online condolences for the family at www.larkinmortuary.com.
Erva's memory, strength and faith will forever live on in our hearts. We love you Mom and Grandma, "a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck".
