Sharren Malicent Wells Anderson, our beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, of Sandy Utah returned to her Heavenly Father on June 23, 2017 in the house she made a home for 38 years surrounded by her adoring family after a valiant fight against cancer. She was born on September 16, 1946 in Vineyard, Utah to Mary Lorraine Wadley Wells and Leland Joy Wells, the second of seven children. When Sharren was 16 years old her family relocated to Lander Wyoming where she graduated from high school.
After completing high school she went on to attend BYU, later graduating with a Bachelor of Sciences degree with an emphasis in Home Economics and Dietetics. It was during her time at BYU that Sharren was pursued by Bryant Ford Anderson, entranced by her beauty and beef stew, they later married on September 6, 1968 in the Salt Lake Temple. To this union were born five children: Melinda Joy Barnes (Daniel) of Rexburg Idaho, Alesha Noel McCown (Steven) of Mapleton, Tyler Ford Anderson (Jenny) of Sandy, Spencer Wells Anderson (Jill) of Goodyear Arizona and Jared Bryant Anderson (Tenna) of Saratoga Springs.
After graduating from BYU, Sharren and Bryant first moved to Redwood City, California. Three years later they relocated to Sandy and in 1979 they settled into their home overlooking Dimple Dell Park where she resided for the remainder of her life raising her family, watching her beloved birds, and capturing any squirrels that invaded her flower garden.
Sharren loved her family more than anything else. Nothing was more important to her than finding ways to strengthen the bonds of family. Constantly planning and carrying out family events and functions. Eventually this led her to champion the building of a cabin "Anderson Crossing" in Mt Pleasant, so that all her family could be together under one roof. In spite of countless days and nights, a broken ankle, and a now deceased stow away packrat the cabin's completion, in her mind, was a miracle and answer to prayer.
An accomplished seamstress, she often wore her own designs and constantly created and shared her masterpieces with her friends and family. Sharren had a passion for the arts which she shared with others during her long service as docent at the LDS Church History and Art Museum. Sharren, an excellent cook, found great joy in preparing and sharing meals, with the exception of liver, the only food she openly disliked. To her there was no more important time than the time spent with family surrounding dinner table.
Sharren loved giving of herself and her time in the community and at home. This included having served four years as the PTSA president, volunteering for Sandy City and on the Utah State Foster Care Board. She also encouraged and supported Bryant during his long tenure on the Sandy City Council. She opened her home to many, including her Navajo children Genevieve, Andrea, Angela and Ray who entered her heart and were loved as her own.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sharren possessed a covenant heart and joyfully served in countless church callings and assignments over her life. Her service was centered on a genuine compassion and love of those she served and a desire to emulate her Savior. She especially loved serving with the women of the Church having served as Relief Society President on two occasions, Primary President, and as a Stake Young Women President for nearly 8 years. Sharren fulfilled a life long dream of serving a mission, when she and Bryant were called to serve a mission in Big Bear California.
Sharren is survived by her mother, Lorraine, of Montana; her husband Bryant; all of her children and their spouses; her sisters Edith Oliver of Herriman, Lynette Gurr of South Jordan, Laurel Pugmire of Arizona, and Mary Bullock of Colorado; her brothers George Wells and Daniel Wells of Montana. Sharren is also survived by her adoring 28 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Her father preceded in her death.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel on 2130 East 10000 South, Sandy on Thursday June 29, 2017 at 11:00.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 28, 2017 at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, located at 1950 East Dimple Del Road (10600 South), Sandy from 6:00 - 8:00 and on Thursday June 29, 2017 at 9:30 - 10:30 at the chapel prior to the funeral services. Interment will be immediately following the funeral services at Larkin Sunset Gardens. The grave will be dedicated by Son-in-law Steven McCown.
In lieu of memorial offerings please make a donation to charity of your choice.
