Denise Anderson

1957 ~ 2020

Viewing:

June 26, 2020
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    June 27, 2020
    5:00 AM
    1075 East 4580 South, Murray, Utah
  • Directions to Service
  • Denise Anderson was born on July 16, 1957, on a beautiful summer day. Her parents were Richard A. Anderson and Athena Louise Lerakis Anderson Jones. She was a unique person from the start. She had a zest and love for life that lasted to the very end.

    Denise grew up in Rose Park, and enjoyed playing with the other children in the neighborhood. She liked school, and was always at the top of her class. She loved to read, and thrived on learning new information. From a very young age, she could carry on an intelligent conversation with anyone.

    Denise became a member of the yearbook and newspaper staff during high school. Her grammar, spelling, and vocabulary were impeccable. She had an amazing laugh that could be heard throughout the halls of West High School. Everyone knew that laugh was coming from Denise, enjoying life, as always. She graduated from West High School in 1975, and then attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1983 with a BA in English and Creative Writing. She was offered a position as an English professor at a college in Texas, but wanted to stay close to her family in Utah. She worked at Deseret Book from 1986-1998, as the manager of the children’s department.

    Denise loved children! Although she didn’t have children of her own, she absolutely adored her nieces, nephews, and the children of her dear friends. She was very devoted to her siblings, Leslie, Barry, and Ricci, as well as their spouses. Denise was all about support for her family and you could not find a better friend. She was one to speak her truth. If she saw an injustice (or bad grammar), she was not afraid to speak up.
    Denise loved riding horses and traveling. She enjoyed going with her friends but was not afraid to go alone. Her travels and reading helped make her into the intelligent, articulate woman that she was.

    The last years of Denise’s life were riddled with health problems. She didn’t let this get her down, and continued to support her family and friends. She was an example of courage and perseverance. She will be deeply missed.

    There will be a viewing on Friday, June 26, 2020 from 6 to 8 at the Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. So. Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. A graveside service will be held the next day, Saturday, June 27 at 11:00 AM at Elysian Burial Gardens 1075 E. 4580 So. Murray / Millcreek, Utah.

    A special Thanks to Denise’s niece, Miranda Amodt (Mandy) for being there for everyone during this difficult time.