Jerrie Lee Yoshikawa

October 12, 1959 - December 1, 2021

Jerrie Lee Yoshikawa (née Roper, formerly Rickard) was taken too early from the many who loved her at the age of 62 on December 1, 2021 after a short, but devastating illness. Born on October 12, 1959 in Pocatello, Idaho, the second child of James Allen Roper, Sr. and Gloria Dawn “Jude” Whitaker (née Gibbons, formerly Roper), she grew up in Idaho, Oregon, and Utah in a boisterous blended family with the addition of stepfather Carl Walter Whitaker. Jerrie led an active childhood and served as a cheerleader for Cottonwood High school, graduating in 1977. She met and married Guy Walter Yoshikawa while working as a dispatcher for the Salt Lake City Police Department. Jerrie lovingly bore five sons, but suffered great heartache with the death of Steed Yoshikawa in infancy and that of stillborn Kam Yoshikawa. She took immense joy and pride in raising Jason Rickard, Kameron Yoshikawa, and Kentero Yoshikawa. She looked forward to actively watching their adult lives unfold and the milestones to come. Jerrie’s work led to a career at United HealthCare Services, Inc. and earned a promotion in 2020. She was passionate about healthy living, organic food, and preserving and protecting the earth for her sons and future generations. She loved animals and without complaint cared for the various critters brought home by her sons. She loved the outdoors and its many family activities, such as boating, wakeboarding and fishing at Lake Powell and other local lakes. Hiking and fly fishing on Boulder Mountain was also a pleasure, as was hitting the open road on her Harley. On the ski slopes, she enjoyed the black diamond runs while Guy stayed on the bunny hills. Jerrie was the glue that held the family together and her memory will continue that bond. Along with her parents and two sons, she was preceded in death by her aunt Rene Bradley, brother James Roper, Jr., and niece Telissa Mitchell. Joining Guy and their sons Jason, Kameron, and Kentero in mourning her loss are her beloved sister Jennifer Mitchell, brothers Jody Whitaker, Timothy Whitaker, and Thomas Whitaker, and their children and grandchildren. Also grieving Jerrie’s passing are Guy’s mother, his siblings and offspring, as well as others who will cherish her memory. Services and burial to be private for family only.