Krista Struhs Pelch, age 70, passed away at home on July 19, 2023 after an 8-year battle with cancer. She was our hero and will be greatly missed. She was born in Salt Lake City, on April 1, 1953, to Merle and Jackie Struhs. She graduated from Jordan High School and lived most her life in Sandy. She retired from Unified Police in Records and Code Enforcement.
Krista loved hunting, fishing, camping, vacations with the grandkids, hiking, four wheeling, boating, river runs, zip lines, train rides, and dinners and barbecues with family and friends. She was active in gymnastics, dance and sports, and was instrumental in getting Title 9 passed for Utah women’s sports. She served as Team Mother for many years for Ute Conference football, Babe Ruth baseball, and high school football, baseball and wrestling. She was very artistic and enjoyed creating many things from porcelain dolls to kids’ craft projects.
Krista is survived by her husband of 52 years, Vern Pelch; children Travis (Teranie), Justin (Hollie); grandchildren Cammy (Jordan) Mahlum, Takota, Grace, Talon, Lauryn and Spencer; great grandchild Daxtin; her parents Merle and Jackie Struhs, brother Parry (Rhoda), sister Teresa Struhs-Nelson, and 15 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her in-laws Paul and Dorothy Pelch.
Services will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm, Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy, UT. A viewing will be held Wednesday, July 26 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, and Thursday, an hour prior to the funeral. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held following the service. For those desiring to watch the recorded service on-line, please click on the blue “Watch Services” tab above.
Vern; we were so sorry to hear of your loss, our hearts are with your family.
Vern,
I know we didn't have the best relationship when you were a Jordan High student, but I was just doing my job and you were just a fun teen-ager. I wanted to come to Krista's viewing, but will be out of town Wednesday and Thursday. My sincere condolences for your loss. I know a bit about the life challenges that cancer brings, so I hope the two of you had some fun together the last 8 years. I am so impressed that the two of you had 52 years together. It is not often that high school sweethearts enjoy that many years together. So as an old friend of mine always said, "Hang in there."
Oh ! Vern ☹️☹️ I am sorry to hear about Krista.