Shirley Schmutz

Shirley Harper Schmutz passed away at the age of 91 on August 19, 2015, in St. George, UT, with her family by her side. She was born March 24, 1924, in Culver City, CA, to Seth and Ianthe (Sue) Matheson Harper. Shirley’s family moved to St. George, UT, in 1937 when she was 13 years old and met DeWayne Schmutz a couple of years later. They fell in love and were married June 1, 1942, in the Logan Temple, Logan, UT. DeWayne was then inducted into the US Army Air Corps in 1943 during World War II. During their married life they have lived in St. George, UT; Boise, ID; Salt Lake City, UT; San Carlos, Mexico; Camp Verde, AZ; and retired to St. George, UT, in 2001. They have traveled through most of the continental United States and Hawaii and Alaska; Canada; and Bolivia, SA. In June of 2012, a celebration of their 70th wedding anniversary was held at the home of one of their daughters with 5 generations in attendance. This past June marked 73 years of marriage. Shirley is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many capacities throughout her life. Shirley and DeWayne also served two church missions: the first in Ghana, Africa; and the second in Madras, India.

She is survived by her dear husband and eternal companion DeWayne, daughter Sue Anne Meeks, daughter and son-in-law Gail and John Ovard, and son and daughter-in-law Brian and Linda Bruce Schmutz; 9 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, infant son Marc, son-in-law Kent Meeks, 2 great-grandchildren, and sister and brother-in-law Edythe and Rudy Rodarte. Our family deeply appreciates and thanks the nurses and staff of Intermountain Homecare and Hospice for their care and support through this difficult time; many of whom have become close friends of our family.

Services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2015, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Latter-Day Saint Chapel, 2583 E. 350 N., St. George, UT; visitation from 9:00 am to 10:45 am prior to services. Burial will be in the St. George City Cemetery following services.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Shirley’s name to the Foundation for Homecare & Hospice, 2250 S. 1300 W., Salt Lake City UT, 84119, or at www.foundationforhomecare.org; or a charity of your choice.