Harriet Marie Sherman Rich, age 94, passed away peacefully in the morning hours of June 15, 2018 in Riverton, Utah. She was born November 12, 1923, in Inwood, Iowa, to Charles Harrison Sherman and Carolyn Henrietta Mak. When she was two years old, her family moved to Boise, Idaho where she spent the rest of her childhood. Sheattended Boise High School andhad a fun group of friends that she did everything with and were a source of some wonderful memories. One friend that she grew especially fond ofwas Melvin J. Rich, who was a few years older than her. They grew closer and closer until their friendship turned into an eternal love and as she graduated from Boise High School, like many of her classmates, Harriet received an engagement ring the night she graduated. She and Melvin were married a few weeks later on June 28, 1942. But World War II raged abroad, and they only had a few short months together in their own apartment before Mel left for cadet training in the Army Air Force, and Harriet moved back home with herparents and waited for Mel to return.
When the war ended, Mel did return, and Harriet and Mel had two children, John Harrison Rich and Barbara Dutcher. Harriet loved her family and created a home that wasalways welcoming and well-kept. She loved to cook and always had a deliciousdinner on the table as soon as Mel came home from work. There were always freshly-made chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cake, or banana bread around for anyone who needed a snack.She was extremely kind and hardworking and was a talented seamstress who fixed many rips, hems and holes for anyone who needed it. She loved to work in the garden and even in her late eighties could be found there picking tomatoes and beans to use in that night's dinner or to share with neighbors. She loved her grandkids and welcomed them all into the world with a stack of home-made receiving blankets and a soft, adorable baby quilt. She continued this tradition for each and every one of her 29 great grandchildren. She was so thoughtful and faithfully remembered birthdays and other special days of those she loved. She was always interested in what her grandkids were doing and loved being with her family.
She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints after she was married and while Mel was away in the Army. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. She was a faithful member of the church and served in many capacities including Relief Society President and temple worker in the Jordan River Temple. She loved to sing the church hymns and always amazed her grandkids with her beautifully reverent voice. After 55 years of marriage, Mel passed away in 1994, and Harriet has missed him every day since until they were reunited last week.
Harriet is survived by her children, John (Linda) Rich and Barbara Dutcher; a sister, Helen (Bob) Olson, Meridian Idaho; eleven grandchildren; and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Charles William Sherman; Kenneth James Sherman; and sister, Iva Evelyn Sherman Clayville.
Funeral services will be held Friday June 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) Sandy, Utah, with a viewing from 10:00-10:45 a.m.
