Jeri (Earlene) Patricia Marie Zoani's Obituary
Jeri (Earlene) Patricia Marie Zoani
Born March 26, 1955
Died September 2, 2021
Jeri passed away peacefully after a long, long fight against Type 1 Diabetes and Breast Cancer. She fought like hell and showed us what true grit and determination is all about. She was loved and cherished by her immediate family, extended family, and great friends.
Jeri was born in Butte, Montana and lived in numerous states and Italy as she grew up in a military family. After her father retired, she lived in Payson until graduating from Payson High School. She then moved to Salt Lake to be with family. She worked in Salt Lake for some years, was married to Vance Evans and later divorced.
Jeri moved to St. George for a few years and was thrilled to be near the red rocks she loved. She worked as a clerk for the St. George court system. After returning to Salt Lake, she worked in the hospitality and drug testing fields, was married to Randy Edwards, and later divorced.
Although her medical issues finally forced her to cut short her career, it did not stop her from living as active a life as she could, enjoying her time with friends and family. She also loved animals and housesat for many friends and family who needed a great caregiver for their furry friends.
Jeri was especially fond of Lake Powell, Yellowstone, Strawberry and Scofield Reservoirs. Many of her best memories took place in those beautiful places. Her ashes will be scattered among the places she visited or hoped to visit, per her wishes.
Concerts at Red Butte Garden were always a highlight for Jeri. She collected frogs and once had a huge collection of them in all forms and sizes. Next time you see a frog, think of her.
Her favorite saying was “fall down 7 times, get up 8”. She not only said it, but she also lived it. And how!
She was preceded in death by her father, Earl Louis Zoani and mother, Jean Ann Zoani.
She is survived by her sister, Terri (Theresa) Zoani, and brothers Bob (Robert, Bubba) Zoani, Jack (John) Zoani and Janet Stice, Jim (James) and Sreyvong Zoani, and Alf (Alfred) Zoani. Her niece Casey Zoani, nephews Jason Ostler, Eric Ostler and Robert Zoani. Great niece McKenzie Zoani and great nephew Bentley Braithwaite. Also survived by her aunt, Carroll Jean Larvie, and dozens of cousins. She looked forward to seeing or talking with you all.
Special mention to Jan Fritz, Billy and Francine Roland, Wayne and Monica Clausing, Boyd Evans and Nyoka Morris, Scott Sobczak and Mel Bruner, John Barnett and Barb Bacon, Marshall Fujita, Faye Evans, and Dixie Hardy. Your love and time for her was always appreciated.
Her great friends who cheered her on to the very end; Char Gray (bestie), Todd Bjorklund (one more concert and so much more), Amber Chatterton, Brooke Ethington, and Linda Collins. Your friendship and love were so important to her. You also made her last days so much better.
Jeri is also survived by furry friends Camo and Augie. She loved them both and they certainly loved her.
There are so many others who she became friends with, too numerous to list, but you all had a special place in her heart.
For those who visited with her in her last days, please know that it was a very special time for her, and you brought her great memories, laughter, and comfort.
To her friends and staff at West Valley Dialysis: For six years you have shared your lives with her. She was so grateful for that and told us many times of how you helped her through tough and grueling treatments. Thank you.
For the staff at St. Joseph's Villa, thank you for your wonderful attention and caring for her. We appreciate you, as she did.
No flowers please. If you can, donate to the American Diabetes Association. If not, think good thoughts of Jeri and keep her in your heart and in your prayers. Know that you were in her heart.
There will be a memorial BBQ in Jeri’s honor on September 26, 2021, at 4839 South Quailstone Circle (2020 West), Taylorsville, Utah 84129 from 1pm-9pm. Please bring your appetites and favorite stories to share. We would love to hear them. Our only wish is that Jeri could be here for one more BBQ. She cherished them because she could visit with all the people she loved.
What’s your fondest memory of Jeri?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jeri?
Share a story where Jeri's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jeri you’ll never forget.
How did Jeri make you smile?