Cheryl Lynn Bland's Obituary
Cheryl Lynn Bruun Bland passed away peacefully January 14, 2026 at her home in Layton, Utah. Cheryl was born in Salt Lake City, Utah January 11, 1946, the oldest child of John Theron Bruun and Olga Irene Johnson.
She was a loving guardian and protector of her five younger siblings throughout her life. Cheryl spent her growing-up years in Salt Lake, where she excelled in academics and participated in a variety of sports and extra-curricular activities. Despite being born with back issues she was athletically talented and loved to dance, play softball and volleyball, and perform on the trampoline team.
She developed a love for sewing in her younger years and became an accomplished seamstress, skilled in everything from wedding dresses to doll clothes. She blessed her daughters with one-of-a-kind attire for High School dances and with sweet memories of watching many brides-to-be being fitted for wedding gowns. Her flair for the dramatic led to her participation in many plays, including some at Pages Lane Theater.
Although she lived in several cities throughout Utah, Bountiful, where she raised her family, was always the home of her heart. She was a devoted mother of five who was dedicated to supporting her children in all their pursuits and to teaching them by example that all of God’s children deserve to be loved. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she fulfilled many callings and especially loved being a Relief Society teacher. She opened her home and her heart to all who needed a friendly hand and provided a cozy life for the cats and dogs who were so special to her.
She was bright and friendly and adored chatting with the youngest in any room. Her children remember her as a reader; she always had a book nearby and spent time reading to her children when they were young. They loved to hear her read with her dramatic flair and have warm memories of reading together. Cheryl had a full professional life, working many years as an Administrative Assistant for several offices, including for the University of Utah Medical Center and for Dixie College.
She spent the last six years of her life living at Fairfield Village in Layton, moving from Independent to Assisted Living, and finally to the Memory Care unit. Her family is deeply grateful to Angie with Inspiration Hospice, and to the caregivers, drivers, nurses, and staff at Fairfield Village who helped to maintain meaning, purpose, and comfort in Cheryl’s life as they sincerely and lovingly cared for her.
Cheryl is survived by her former spouse and father of her children Gary Bland, her children Jeff (Laura) Bland, Scott (Susan) Bland, Kelly (Juliann) Bland, Mindy (Todd) Andengaard, and Lisa (Todd) Heath; twenty-two grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren (and one on the way); her siblings Steve (Shauna), Anthon (Denise), Ken (Tammy), Robert, and MaryAnn. She is preceded in death by her parents, Theron and Irene Bruun, and by her son-in-law Nathan Johnson.
In lieu of a funeral, her family has chosen to hold a private celebration of life. You’re invited to leave condolences and share memories here.
What’s your fondest memory of Cheryl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cheryl?
Share a story where Cheryl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cheryl you’ll never forget.
How did Cheryl make you smile?