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Our beautiful mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, Elizabeth Buchanan Oliver Sanchez, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Beth was born March 26, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Charles (Chick) and Bessie Oliver.
While growing up in Murray, she was surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. This is where her strong family values took root. Her family was the anchor that held her steady throughout every stage of her life. She graduated from Murray High School and received her Bachelors’ degree from University of Utah. While working and raising four children, she received her Master of Education from Arizona State University.
Beth was a devoted educator who began her career in Coalville, Utah. She continued teaching in and out of the classroom for the next 50 years. There wasn’t a child she wouldn’t help. Whether it be in the classroom, neighborhood, family, hospital, or in her own dance studio.
In 1971 Beth and her family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. There, she continued her lifelong passion for education, focusing on Special Education. She was deeply beloved by her students and respected by her colleagues for her patience and dedication.
Above all, Beth was a selfless mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She blessed her family through her many talents and her quiet, faithful service. She was immensely proud of her heritage and spent many hours compiling family histories and conducting valued genealogical research.
It can be said that Beth’s life was defined by service, kindness, and love for all those around her. She was always there with her beautiful smile, offering kind words and a helping hand to anyone in need. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Beth was loved by many and will be missed beyond measure.
Survived by her children: Laurie Jorgenson (Paul), CharLeCartledge (Chris), Marcy Sanchez, and Robert Sanchez; her eight grandchildren: Chris Risi (Joslyn), Matthew Risi (Nikol), Jake Jorgenson, Cole Cartledge, Carsen Cartledge, Ashley Richards (Mack), Jessica Sanchez, and Kobe Sanchez; and her four great-grandchildren: Beckham and Ellie Richards, Valentina Risi, and Alessandra Risi. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Barbara McHenry.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, for their compassionate care.
Service Information: Thursday, January 22, 2026, Funeral at 12 o’clock at The Lone Peak Stake Center, 11570 S Wasatch Blvd., Sandy, Utah 84092. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:30 - 11:30.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via Zoom by clicking “watch services.”
Guestbook/Condolences
Our sympathy goes out to Marcy our neighbor and her family. Doyle and I loved Beth. She was an outstanding person. 🙏❤️🎹
Your Mom was a lovely lady. She will be missed. You all cared for her so well. If we can help in any way, let us know. You are in our hearts and minds as you process through this loss.
My condolences. I really enjoyed working on your mom. She kept me on my toes. I’m sorry for your loss❤️
She was so pleasant and hospitable. 3 of my family visited Charle, and Beth opened her home to us. It was a great visit as she warmly welcomed us. RIP
Sending blessings and prayers today for you and your family .
My condolences to the Sanchez family on the loss of their mother and Grandmother.
Beth was my 1st cousin. I have many memories of her when I was young and she and the family would come over to my parents' home on 5900 S. I remember summer barbeques on the patio with Beth and her family. I also remember how she treated and loved my brother Steve. Stevie would go visit her in Scottsdale, AZ. I remember seeing her at many Oliver reunions also.
The beautiful book she recently made of her father Chick Oliver was just amazing. She took te time to put this together. I will cherish this forever. I know she is reuniting with her Father and Mother and sister, Barbara and many friends and relatives.
It was honor to know Beth. I will miss her very much. XO XO
It was my pleasure to meet and help take care of such a beautiful lady in side and out side. I will remember fondly are talks at the kitchen table. She was kind and gracious , always concerned if I had enough to eat. I know God has a place for her in his Kingdom. May she rest there in peace. Love Maddie🙏🏽
Sending my love, prayers, and blessings. I’m thankful I had the chance to see your mom again.
Our thoughts are with Marcy and all of the family. Beth was a wonderful neighbor and friend and we cherish the times we spent with her.
Will miss bringing you Wendy's and dessert....love you Beth
Will miss bringing you Wendy's and dessert....love you Beth⁹
You will be greatly missed, my friend. But I'm sure George & Mom will be showing you around & the party of your relatives will be a joyous occasion. You were & are loved by many & have left a proud legacy of family & friends who have good memories of you over many years. I am just sorry we never got a lot of those memories written down in your life story. I would have enjoyed spending just one more summer with you in Utah. Thanks for just being you & sharing so much family joy with me. Till we meet again, enjoy Heaven....