Our kind, loving, service-oriented mother and grandmother passed away suddenly on July 3, 2014 due to a fall. She spent much of her last few years selflessly caring for our father who passed away of ALS in January. She devoted her time and energy to making our dad comfortable. Sonja was born February 11, 1936 in Ephraim, Utah to Grant and Josephine Thursby. She graduated from Manti High School in 1954 where she was actively involved and just recently attended her 60th class reunion.
Sonja married the love of her life, Glen Lewis Beere, in Ephraim, Utah on August 2, 1958. Sonja went on to attend and graduate from Snow College and Utah State University. She also received her Master's Degree from the University of Utah. She taught in Roosevelt and then on to her home-away-from-home, Hillcrest High School, where she made many lifelong friends. Sonja taught English, but her support of her students did not stop there; she never missed a sporting event, play, or graduation service of a student. She truly supported "her kids" 100%. Sonja retired after teaching over 30 years at Hillcrest to enjoy retirement with her husband. They made great memories wintering in Arizona where they spent time golfing and perfecting their love of painting. Sonja spent time golfing and enjoyed many hours on the golf course with Glen and friends. Our mom was always caught with a good book in hand and relished her time at book club, Monday Art Club, the Red Hatters and serving weekly at the Assistance League. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and was such a supportive grandma, never missing a play or basketball game. Mom will be sorely missed but we know our dad had her car all washed and ready for her arrival.
Sonja is survived by her children Grant Beere (Salt Lake City, UT) and Sydney (Robert) Nakken (Cedar City, UT), grandchildren Erik, Josie, Abigail, Samantha and Ellie, brother Brent Thursby (Ephraim, UT), and many cherished nieces and nephews. Sonja was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings Gayle (Herm) Thursby Turner and Neal (June) Cartwright.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, July 11, 2014 at the Wasatch 5th Ward Chapel, 8100 South 3675 East. A visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 6-8pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy and on Friday morning from 9:30-10:30am prior to services at the church. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the many friends and neighbors who have supported and loved mom over the years. In lieu of flowers our mom requested donations be made in honor of her husband, Glen Beere, to the University of Utah, ALS Clinic, 175 N. Medical Drive Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84132.
