Sherri Auernig Secrist

Sherri Auernig Secrist, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, passed peacefully on Sunday February 18, 2018.  She lived with a strength and faith that served as an inspiration to all who knew her.  Her deep abiding faith in God in all seasons of her life, including her deepest trials, will serve as a legacy to those she loved and who loved her.  She knew no enemies and was authentically kind to everyone she met.  To know her was to love her.  And to know her was truly a privilege.

Sherri was born May 9, 1942 in Pocatello, Idaho during the hardships associated with WWII.  She enjoyed the wide-open spaces of Idaho and the freedom of her roller skates and bike.  She spent the summers with her Grandparents and relatives on their farm in Fairfield, Idaho and shared story after story of “the farm life” with her children and grandchildren.  The farm was a special place where she learned the value of hard work.  This cemented her commitment to family and quite possibly forged her strength and quiet confidence that would support her throughout her life.   As a youth, she was often seen around town, with her signature blond hair, always in the center of friends.  As an avid reader, she was told by her Mother to “get her nose out of a book” when there was work to be done.  She took great pleasure in reading throughout her life. 

At 15 she moved with her family to Bountiful, Utah where she graduated from Bountiful High School in 1961.  She thrived being involved in the pep club, school musicals, student government and with her pure soprano voice, expanded her love of music by singing in the elite choirs.  She continued to sing throughout her life and her clear soothing voice will be missed.  She was a 22-year member of her church choir.

Upon graduating high school, she continued her studies at Brigham Young University.  A few years later she began dating Thomas Don Secrist and they were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on December 13, 1963.  

Tom and Sherri built their lives together in Bountiful, Farmington and Fruit Heights, Utah.  With four active children, their lives consisted of little league activities, dance competitions, and school performances.  She never missed one – ever.  She was always a fixture in the bleachers of her children’s events and enjoyed many “adopted children” who affectionately called her “Mom.”  

She worked for Davis County Schools for over 22 years- mostly at Farmington Jr. High from the year it opened until her retirement in 2006.  She found fulfillment in working where two of her four children attended and was beloved by the students.

Life was not easy and she faced many major challenges.  She knew God was with her and she accessed the strength needed from heaven.  She never complained under the weight of hard things and endured her trials with grace.  She was committed and faithful.  She lived in absolute integrity.  She lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ and her sermons were seen and felt through her actions and example. She said, with unshakable confidence, that God supported her and she knew she was not alone in her life, or in parenting.  Her faith in Jesus Christ was firm.

She leaves a gaping hole in our hearts as she truly exemplified her title of Mother, Grandmother and Friend. 

She is survived by her children:  Rick (Elvia del Rio Gomez), Sally (Valoy) Seeley, Reed (Cammy Wallwork), Ryan (Taani Harrison), and her 14 grandchildren, her brothers Kurt Auernig (Carlyn) & Kevin Auernig.  She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas Don and her parents Albert M. & Blanche Neeley Auernig. 

Family and friends may greet the family at Russon Mortuary 1941 N Main Street, Farmington, UT on Thursday, February 22nd from 6pm to 8pm, or 9:45a to 10:45a at the church before the funeral services on Friday February 23rd.  The funeral services will be held at 11am at the LDS Kaysville South Stake Center, 900 South Main Street, Kaysville, UT.

Interment at the Bountiful City Cemetery.