In Loving Memory of Judy Hill Sanderson

Early Life and Family

Judy Beth Wright Sanderson was born on July 16, 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was welcomed into the world by her devoted parents, Jay and Norine Wright. Judy was the middle child, with an older brother, Lyn, and a younger sister, Joyce. In November 1964, she married Donald Ray Hill, with whom she had six children: Tracy, Trisha, Donald Jay, Carrie, Allen, and Shellie. Judy and Donald later divorced. On June 17, 2017, Judy married Kim Sanderson, beginning another meaningful chapter of her life. She passed away on April 17, 2026 in St. George, Utah.

A Life of Love and Service

Judy wore many hats throughout her life—daughter, mother, stepmom, wife, sister, aunt, grandma, great grandma, friend, and disciple of Christ. She was known for her adventurous spirit and infectious laughter, always ready to embrace new experiences. Judy cherished her roles in the church, joyfully serving in any capacity and dedicating herself to working in God’s temples. She found fulfillment in genealogy, investing time in learning about people’s histories and life stories.

Personal Interests and Passions

Judy loved going out to eat and savoring good food, and she adored jewelry, especially pieces crafted just for her. Organization was second nature to her; every morning, she rose early, made her bed, showered, applied makeup, and prepared breakfast—sometimes homemade donuts—before waking her family with cheerful songs or calls for family prayer. She instilled the value of cleanliness in her children, often spending Saturdays together cleaning the house.

Judy was always willing to drive her children wherever they needed to go, whether in Glenwood, Utah, Tucson, Arizona, or Richfield, Utah. Shopping trips to Provo were fondly referred to as “going up north.” Her love for animals meant their home was often filled with pet cats and dogs. Judy was also an avid reader, favoring romance novels, and she was a talented painter, creating intricate Tolle paintings.

Memorable Moments and Traditions

When Judy moved her family to Richfield, they purchased a small house built in 1945—her birth year—which she cherished. The home needed significant attention, and Judy spent countless hours steaming and scraping layers of wallpaper and painting the walls to brighten their little house across from the park.

Judy enjoyed attending yard sales and visiting Marysvale, Utah, in search of antique treasures. Judy passed on her appreciation for quality craftsmanship, teaching how to refurbish, stain, or paint unique furniture. Her enthusiasm for good sales was unmatched.

Hospitality and Family Gatherings

Judy was a wonderful hostess, cook, and lover of ice cream. The family’s old-fashioned ice cream maker required everyone to turn the “bad attitude” handle until the ice cream was ready—a fun tradition. She also loved traveling, spending time with family, and creating lasting memories.

Faith and Legacy

Above all, Judy was a great listener and the most spiritual person her family has ever known. She dedicated her life to Christ and inspired those around her by example. Though her passing leaves a broken heart, her loved ones find comfort in knowing she is free from pain and sorrow. Judy’s legacy continues through the many lives she touched, and her family salutes her, cherishing her memory until they meet again.

Services

A viewing will be held on Thursday, April 23rd from 6:00 -8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT, 84092). Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24th at 11 am at the LDS Meadows 3rd Ward, 420 E 13540 So (Stokes Ave), Draper, UT 84020. A viewing will be held prior to services from 10:00 – 10:45 am at the church. Graveside services will follow at the cemetery.