Jeri Lynn Salisbury Miyatake passed away peacefully on July 1, 2023, at the age of 68 with her family by her side. Jeri will be remembered for her selflessness, humor, and kindness to all who crossed her path.
Jeri was born on September 17, 1954, in Richfield, UT to William (Bill) and Betty Salisbury. She grew up in Centerville, UT having many adventures with her brother, Eric, and sister, Jan. Jeri often lamented being the middle child, but laughed as she shared stories of being tricked into eating mushrooms or being chased throughout the house by her siblings. Jeri was very close to her parents, from whom she learned to love animals and the outdoors. They taught her the importance of kindness and inclusivity as well as the value of humor in facing life’s challenges. In her adult life she spoke to her mom daily.
Jeri met her husband, Mitch, while working at Sperry Univac, and they were married on March 7th, 1981. Jeri had two children, Cory and Haley, along with two stepchildren, Shelley and Melanie. She took great pride in her kids, instilling in them a strong sense of self-worth. She supported them in life decisions and encouraged them to pursue their passions and goals. She was actively involved in their activities; always being the first to volunteer to shuttle kids around or go to the classroom for an activity. She never missed a game, performance, or competition.
One of the great joys in Jeri’s life was being a grandmother. Jeri particularly loved babies and was often accused of refusing to share as she held her grandchildren. The grandchildren remember their grandmother for spoiling them with gifts. She loved to take her granddaughters shopping for new clothes, and she used any minor holiday as an excuse to put together gift bags of candy and stuffed animals. It was understood that Grandma would be buying souvenirs on any vacation and her grandchildren cherish these gifts as they remember their time with her.
Second only to her love for her family was Jeri’s love for her dogs. Much like the people in her life, the family dogs quickly gravitated towards Jeri and became inseparable companions. She showed them so much love that many people said there was nothing better than being one of Jeri’s dogs. In her later years, her dog Arlo provided her love and comfort and was the one she remembered until her final days.
Jeri spent much of her career working in Jordan School District at Bella Vista Elementary and Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, UT. She formed strong bonds with the students, parents, and teachers throughout her career and supported them like she did her own family. Many remember her years later for being friendly and kind. “Your mom is the nicest person I have ever met” and, “When I needed help, Jeri was always the first to come to my aid”, are common phrases heard from those who grew up in the schools she worked in.
Jeri loved traveling with friends and family. In particular, she enjoyed many trips to Northern California with her sister and her friends. She enjoyed shopping, eating at restaurants along the coast, and visiting the many wineries in the area. She went on countless camping and fishing trips with her family. She was very competitive when it came to catching fish and would often challenge her husband, brother, and son to fishing competitions. She wasn’t shy about letting them know when she had caught more or bigger fish, showing her competitive spirit and humor.
She had a playful, silly side and wasn’t afraid to goof off. She’d make her kids laugh by doing impressions from movies. She sang loudly, belting Elton John or Bon Jovi as she cleaned the house. She loved to shop, and a vacation was never complete until she’d found “the shops” and “browsed”. She was also a creative person, taking jewelry classes and making jewelry for herself and her loved ones. She owned more Cricuts than can be counted and enjoyed making home decorations, cards, and invitations designed from scratch.
Jeri was a special person and was always thinking of the needs of others. She believed in giving people the benefit of the doubt and was, at her core, a truly empathetic person. Jeri liked to root for the underdog to the point that she was known to choose the ugliest stuffed animal in a store so it wouldn’t be left behind. She hated to see someone struggling and was often found doing things to relieve the burdens of those around her.
Jeri is preceded in death by her father Bill, who died in 2006, and mother Betty, who died in 2017. She is survived by her husband Mitch and their children Cory (Emily), Haley (Jonny), Melanie (Eric), and Shelley (Gibby), her grandchildren Olivia (Chris), Emily, Alex, Zach, Ethan, Graham, Cohen, Kate, Mia, Cameron, and Josie, and her great-grandchild Frederick as well as her siblings, Eric and Jan (Marilyn).
Jeri’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Peaks and Bristol Hospice for their loving care of Jeri and for the support and comfort they’ve provided to our family.
Jeri will be laid to rest on July 8, 2023. Friends and family of Jeri are invited to a reception to celebrate her life at Tuscany Restaurant between 1 and 3 pm. We ask that in lieu of flowers, if you have the means, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.
This is such a beautiful tribute to your mom. We were lucky to know her and send your family our deepest condolences.
We love you.
Wow! What a great friend. Teaching was my love and still is but that didn't mean I didn't have off days and needed the support of someone who knew me and when I was in need. We shared good times and bad and felt we always had each other's backs. I missed her the moment she left Bella Vista. There are some people who transcend personality and see the deeper connection between us all. I was one of the lucky "stuffed animals" Jeri refused to let lie fallow on the shelves. What a wonderful world it was shared with you. I really don't believe in death. More in the spirit a person uses to invade our hearts. I'm blessed to have you still here in my heart. Love, Jaybird
I met Jeri when she replaced me at Brighton High. She was such a sweet and caring person. I am so sorry for your loss.
We loved Jeri dearly. She was such a light to our entire family. Her obituary beautifully captures Jeri's essence in every way. We saw every quality mentioned and more in Jeri and she was always there to help our family especially Jan. Our thoughts are with your entire family and hope your beautiful memories with Jeri carry you through this difficult time. We will miss her.
She was always quick with a wink and an encouraging, yet scolding side eye as I made many visits to the principal’s office in my Bella Vista days. To think, decades later I remember her fondly.
I was one of the very lucky ones to have been Jeri’s neighbor and co-worker. I loved working with Jeri at Bella Vista. We started as aides in the teacher workroom and on the playground. Jeri would stop at Beans and Brews and grab muffins on the way to school which she would happily share with the rest of us at the ditto machine. She had such a kind and giving heart. Jeri will be remembered fondly and missed by all who crossed her path. All my love to her family.
Jeri and Mitch were great neighbors to Vickie and Mike Hansen who lived across the street from them for many years in Cottonwood Heights. When Mike passed away, the Miyatakes had already moved from the neighborhood, but they were some of the first to reach out to Vickie. They sent Vickie a lovely potted plant. Vickie was herself was suffering from dementia and most of the time she couldn’t remember if her husband Mike had passed away or not, but she constantly showed everyone the beautiful plant she had received from Mitch and Jeri Miyatake! It meant a great deal to her that you remembered her, and she told everyone about it! Thanks for your friendship to Vickie and Mike! It especially meant a lot to Vickie!
Sincere Condolences to you and your family, Carol and Richard Lasson
Jeri and Mitch were great neighbors to Vickie and Mike Hansen who lived across the street from them for many years in Cotton. When Mike passed away, the Miyatakes has already moved from the neighborhood, but they were one of the first people to reach out to Vickie with a lovely potted plant. Vickie was herself suffering from dementia and most of the time she couldn’t remember is her husband Mike had passed away or not, but she constantly told everyone that Mitch and Jeri Miyatake has sent her the lovely plant. It meant a great deal that you remembered her and she told everyone about it! Thanks for your friendship to Vickie and Mike!
Jeri’s empathy, compassion, and kindness were the hallmark of her life. She touched countless lives in her school career including students, parents, and colleagues: I was fortunate to be among those honored by her grace when I began teaching at Bella Vista Elementary School in the fall of 2005. Jeri and I became fast friends and shared a close spiritual bond and friendship for the next 20 years, both while at school, during family celebrations, personal visits, and while enjoying memorable trips to Las Vegas, Palm Desert, and Sonoma. Our memories include bonding with nature and beauty, hilarity, sadness, sorrow, frustration, as well as hope during our personal challenging times. Jeri is in my heart always and continues her lasting presence in the hearts and minds of all of those who had the privilege to be touched by her gracious life. Godspeed, Jeri; I know you and dear Betty are commiserating right now. My condolences to your family and friends who will sorely miss you in their daily lives but will carry your strength and love with them.
What a beautiful and inspiring tribute to someone who was clearly a light to so many! I am sorry we never had a chance to know her, but we can see her spirit so clearly in her children and grandchildren.
Our deepest condolences to Mitch and the entire family. Thinking of you as you celebrate Jeri's life.
