Shauna Fowles passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2023, after a valiant, decade-long battle with cancer. She was surrounded in the love of family, friends, and angels.
Shauna was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Lois and Joe Beecroft on December 26, 1970. When Shauna was 10 years old, her family moved from South Salt Lake to Millcreek where she was raised with her six siblings. Shauna graduated from Olympus High School where she enjoyed dance and helped to start the Olympus High School Dance Company. While in high school, Shauna also founded Success Dance Studio where she instructed many girls throughout the years. She was a good dancer but an even better instructor. She was able to capture the hearts of her students, and, through hard work and precision, these girls not only achieved great success in dance competitions but in their personal lives as well.
After high school Shauna attended and graduated from the University of Utah. She interrupted her college education for 18 months to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shauna was called to serve in the Spain Madrid mission where she solidified her love for Jesus Christ and cemented her commitment to the principles of His gospel. After receiving her degree in Spanish, Shauna went on to work for the Girl Scouts of America. Shauna continued to excel in her career, and eventually became one of two finalists for a role with a large multinational corporation. The other finalist was her fiancé, Rich. To this day she’ll tell you that she let him have the job.
Shauna married Richard C. Fowles Jr. on December 2, 1997, in the Salt Lake Temple. The two spent three years together before adding to their family, during which time they were able to travel extensively and craft their dreams for the future. In 2001, Shauna gave birth to her daughter Anna, shortly followed by her sons Joshua, Luke, and Sam. Shauna felt richly blessed to raise her children in several idyllic locations. In 2006, the Fowles family relocated to Elmhurst, Illinois for 14 years. In this charming suburb, Shauna became extremely involved in the community and could often be found at school, community, and church events. She loved the associations she made as she served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She accepted many teaching and leadership assignments. She especially enjoyed working with the youth and helping them feel our Savior’s love. In 2020, Shauna and her family relocated to Lake Stevens, Washington for 2 years. A significant COVID quarantine created space for many walks through the lush forests of Western Washington as well as summer days and evenings on the family boat. The Fowles family moved back to Utah this past year.
Shauna’s true passion in life was her family. She loved teaching her children and approached every situation with sensitivity and compassion. She ensured that the home was a haven of love and welcomed all, ensuring that there were always freshly baked treats on the kitchen counter. She spent countless hours attending recitals, performances, and games. She even became a dog mom and the whole family has been blessed from having Chloe and Gracie as part of the family.
Shauna also loved spending time with her friends. She was extremely personable and engaging, and even possessed a bit of irreverence that others found refreshing. She was able to break down barriers by fearlessly asking the right questions. Shauna connected with the mainstream as well as those who stood on the periphery. She was a model of inclusion. This gift created lasting bonds with so many and they remain fiercely loyal to this day. Shauna deeply loved all six of her siblings and remained extremely close to them even though she lived far away. In her free time, she loved to talk on the phone with her friends and siblings, as well as read, engage in political discussions, and go shopping.
Shauna brought strength, hope, and joy to so many. Her love for the Savior, her family, her friends, and the stranger will be her legacy. She has always been and will continue to be a light on the hill.
Shauna is survived by her husband, Rich, her four children, Anna, Joshua, Luke, and Sam, as well as her six siblings, Suzanne (Scott), Amy (Dennis), Joey (Christelle), Laurie (Todd), Kara (James), and Danny (Kiera). Her son Joshua is currently serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Guatemala Retalhuleu mission. Her parents, Lois and Joe, preceded her in death.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Neff’s Canyon Ward Chapel, 4176 South Adonis Drive (3950 East) Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may call at the Neff’s Canyon Ward Chapel Monday evening, 7-9 p.m. or Tuesday morning, 9:30–10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT. Funeral services are under the direction of the Larkin Mortuary.
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We have loved our niece Shauna for many years, and have suffered with her in these recent years. Her Aunt Sandra passed this year and I expect they will be part of the reunion in the spirit world. Her husband and family have sincere condolences.
Rich and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are so grateful for the friendship Shauna and Camille enjoyed throughout the years. We wish your family all the best in the future.
To Rich and the Kids- I am so sorry about Shauna. She really did fight this cancer with all her might, mind, and soul. She is an amazing woman and will be missed here on earth but her mission in paradise has only just begun. I know she will always be looking after her family and friends. My deepest sympathy to all her loved ones.
My sincere condolences and love to the Family! Shauna and I wasn't the best of friends but she was always pleasant and very nice . I know that God has a bigger plan for her to take her so soon. I will keep the family in my prayers.
Such an amazing person and friend! Wish I could have kept in better touch with her! Miss you friend 💕💕
It’s very difficult to put into words how much Shauna meant to me. She was my Angel through a difficult time and hope she continues to be my Angel from the other side. I think of her as a sister and will remember her always from different places, songs, restaurants and sayings. I’m happy she no longer has to fight & struggle, but I will forever miss her. Hugs & prayers for her family. I love you all dearly. Till we meet again, my friend.
I am so very sad to hear this news. Am keeping the family close in thought, prayer, and my heart. Indeed she was a blessing to many and a shining example in so many ways. Her passing is deeply felt. May God keep all in her family blessed with strength as you deal with this void and loss in your lives. Love and comforting hugs to all.
Dear Fowles Family, I cannot stop thinking about and visualizing the pain you are enduring at the loss of your wife, mother, and friend. I pray the Holy Ghost will visit you often to make the pathway easier for you. She is a big loss for you and for her friends. God Bless.
I am so sorry to hear about Shauna’s passing. I am so grateful to have had her as a dance teacher and for the years I spent at Success Dance Company. She was always so kind and encouraging. I will always look back fondly at the many memories of dance performances and competitions, the large containers of candy like AtomicBalls, the ribbons she gave out for best kicks and toe touches, and the love she showed toward her students. Sending my condolences to her family and loved ones, and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
We have been blessed immensely to know Luke over the past year. He is an incredible young man. We love him dearly. As we read this beautiful tribute to Shauna, we can see where he got such great qualities. What a blessing her life has been to this world. We send our deepest condolences to the Fowles family. We will strive to live a little better, reach out to those on the periphery, and love others a little better, all in her memory.
Dear Fowles Family,
Our heartfelt prayers are with you all at this time. I (Lance) was their home teacher for a time while Elmhurst was still into our ward boundaries. Our oldest daughter, Samantha, was their piano teacher, introducing all of them to the musical art of piano and we always enjoyed watching them perform at the recitals. We love Shauna. She was always a ray of sunshine and a smile you could count on. Though it's been many years since I last saw the Fowles children who are all still very young in my minds eye, my prayer for each of you as you face the challenges ahead as you and we mourn the loss of your dear mother, and our dear friend. God bless you all. - Lance & Melanie King (Villa Park, IL)
Shauna, you were my first friend in Illinois because I was “a little bit ornery.” You were my lifeline. Thank you for making me laugh., the snuggles, always forgiving me, pestering me to have another kid, and teaching me that horses are beautiful. Rich said Elmhurst was your Camelot. You, Shauna, were MY Camelot. I love you.