Dec. 1, 1942-March 14, 2023
Sherri Ann Simpson Behunin returned to her loving Heavenly Father on a beautiful spring day, March 14, 2023, due to complications following a tragic fall at her home. She had already fought and won three battles with cancer beginning in 2006 with breast cancer and most recently with lung and brain cancer from 2020-23.
Sherri was born Dec. 1, 1942, in Ogden, Utah, to Ralph Elwood and Margaret P. Simpson. She spent a happy childhood on the family farm and often spoke of riding the family horse “Old Jim” with her brothers and sister: Kent, Ralph, Sue and Richard.
She learned the value of hard work, alongside her parents, beginning at age 7 at the family grocery store (Simpsons Market). Through the years, many of her dearest friends worked alongside her at ZCMI, Bloomington Country Club, Capitol Reef National Park and Torrey Floral just to name a few.
Sherri was a gifted dancer beginning at an early age. Ballet was her passion. She performed on the Eugene Jelesnik Show and danced professionally for a time under the direction of Colleen Collins. In 2018 she fulfilled a lifelong dream — traveling to New York City with her daughters to see the live performances of the Radio City Rockettes and the “Nutcracker” performed by the world-renowned New York City Ballet — a memory she treasured and spoke of often.
She graduated from Provo High School, where she met and married Orlan Ray Gagon. Together they raised three wonderful children: Nykele (Dennis) Leavitt, Kori (Ellis) Brown, Jeremy (Mindi) Gagon. She and Ray later divorced.
In 1980 she met and married Roger C. Behunin. With this marriage she gained four additional children: Daryl Behunin (deceased), Dave (Susan) Behunin, Don (Camille) Behunin, and Michelle (Gabe) Waters. In 2017 their marriage was solemnized in the St. George Utah Temple.
Her passion for creating beautiful flower arrangements blossomed into owning her own nursery and floral shop with her dear friend Janet Hansen. Her talents were always on full display at her children’s and grandchildren’s weddings and special events. Creations by Grandma Sherri will always be treasured.
Sherri was a voracious reader, enjoying all mysteries and loved books on history. Her penmanship was beautiful. She always carried herself with grace and dignity, practicing her ballet posture up until her fall. She was an impeccable dresser and loved fashion and footwear and would never pass up a good Dillard’s sale.
Despite challenges that came her way, she was always smiling and cheering for the underdog. She loved all of God’s creations, including people and animals, who were drawn to her unconditional love.
Her family wishes to express gratitude and appreciation to those Christlike individuals who provided tender caregiving during Sherri’s difficult times: Dear friends Robert and Heather Purcell; Dr. Brian Tudor; Dr. Spencer Ashton; Blair Bentley; Jen Stafford and the St. George Cancer Center; Dr. Zach Warner and the Neuro Unit nursing staff at St. George Regional Medical Center. Our special thanks also go to the Bloomington 5th Ward, Michelle Smith and Carol Hunter at Zion’s Way Home Health & Hospice and countless others offering their love and support.
Sherri is survived by her spouse, Roger C. Behunin, seven children, 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph Elwood and Margaret P. Simpson; brother Richard Simpson; son Daryl Behunin; and grandson Dallas Arlen Brown.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 24, at 11 a.m. in the Bloomington 5th Ward Chapel, 200 West Brigham Road, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., and on Friday prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 25, at noon in the Torrey City Cemetery, Torrey, Utah.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.