Wow she was an amazing person! She will be missed.
Wayne Balis
In Loving Memory
Shari Balis Bennett
1944•2026
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Obituary
Shari Balis Bennett was born on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) in Twin Falls, Idaho to Kenneth and Leila Smith Balis, and died September 22, 2026 at the age of 82. After graduating from Olympus High School in Holladay, she attended Montana State College and the University of Utah, and then worked at Mountain Fuel Supply Company.
In 1972, Shari married W. Don Bennett, and later divorced. They had two wonderful children. Shari loved raising her two children and being involved in their activities and school, including being on various committees and boards. Throughout her life, she loved being with her family and many friends, and especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren.
Pages & Grapes was an organization that she shared with dear friends that brought both joy and companionship. Shari had a wonderful time traveling and seeing the world. Trips to China, the Amazon and Machu Picchu, and Spain were highlights.
Shari worked at both American Express Financial Advisors and Cottonwood Presbyterian Church as office manager. She was a long time member of Cottonwood Presbyterian Church where she was a Deacon and served on several committees.
Shari is survived by children Staci Poppleton (Ken Poppleton) and Bryson Bennett (Catherine Crump), grandchildren Erik, Jodi, Nathan, and Theo, and siblings Jim Balis (Vickie Balis), Jeff Balis (Sherry Balis), and Linda Balis-Burke (Pat Burke), as well as a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Leila Balis.
A memorial service will be held on October 17th at 2:00 pm, at Larkin Mortuary (260 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City). A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Shari’s life will immediately follow the memorial, at the same location. Shari will be interred at Wasatch Lawn at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Shari asked that you please make a contribution to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Tributes
Shari was in my pages and grapes group for many years and became a cherished friend. She was a beautiful woman and always a class act. She will be missed
Kaye Reese
My sister Shari was always thinking about other friends & family. She never worried much about herself or circumstances and took them as they came..When she became ill her normal comment was always 'well that's life'...she was very brave up until the end...we will all miss her dearly!!! Condolences to all who loved her and will miss her...as will I!!
Linda Balis Burke
Leaving Salt Lake City and returning to Texas was bittersweet. Our family was in Texas, but our special friends remained in Salt Lake. Shari was one of those special friends. I would no longer enjoy our lunches, worship, or party together, and most regrettably, I could not be there for her during her final years. Shari is now in God's loving arms. She left behind those who knew her and loved her with an instructive message: love one another.
Lynne Cox
What a beautiful person. So glad I got spend some time with her in our early days. Much love to your family. Sending prayers
Diane Davis
I’ll always remember Christmas and how elegant and glamorous her gifts were. I still have my Phoenix crystal candle holders and crystal martini glasses from her, tucked safely away because they are so special to me. 🎄
Like her sweet mom, my grandmother Leila, she enjoyed the finer things in life. I like to imagine the two of them together again, enjoying the beauty of all those special things they loved—and maybe even listening to the crystal “sing” like it does when you run your fingers around it. 🎼
Sending love and comfort to all of you. May the memories of her bring you peace in the days ahead.
Marin (Darnell) White
Shari was a dear friend that I met at Cottonwood Presbyterian Church. We had many fun times together at worship, dinners, lunches, Bunco, and Pages and Grapes. She was a beautiful lady and she had a kind heart. She loved to entertain and I remember one such occasion. She had an afternoon tea and we were all to wear hats. She had a wonderful Tea spread and there was much joy and laughter! She was a very special person and I know she loved her family with all her heart and she was always so proud of them. Many blessings to her family as they adjust to life without her.
Connie Owsley
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