Sheryl Anne McPhie Peters' Obituary
Sheryl Anne McPhie Peters, 79, entered the spirit world on November 6, 2023. She was born the second child of four on August 17, 1944, to Gretta and Francis McPhie.
Sheryl is survived by her loving husband Kenneth Allen Peters, her children Michelle Bailey (Chad), Mike Peters (Elaine), Deanna Ekberg (Erik), Paula Widlund (Mark), Heather Buchta, and Vance Vina (Fil). She is also survived by her seventeen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren with three more on the way. It was said she loved her family but lived for her grand and great-grandchildren.
Upon graduation from Highland High, she got a job at the Keith O’Brien Department Store in Sugar House working in their office. She then continued her education at Brigham Young University for one eventful year. During this time, Sheryl was on the Cougarette Drill Team and met her future husband on a blind date.
Ken and Sheryl were married on August 18, 1964, in the Salt Lake Temple after a year of long-distance courtship. After marriage, they raised their six children in both California and Utah and enjoyed their family with all its ups and downs.
Besides office work, Sheryl held various jobs throughout her life. She did secretarial work for companies including Buena Vista (Walt Disney) film distributors and The Royal Typewriter company. She also worked for the Granite School District as a teacher’s aide in five elementary schools and one junior high.
Sheryl enjoyed many hobbies. Whether it was being an Avon distributor (boxes and decorations can still be found amongst her family), the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, watching American Idol, being a BYU fan, attending her grandkids’ and great grandkids events, or supporting her sons and grandsons in scouting, she gave it her whole heart. In addition to these pastimes, playing piano and church service were her passions. She used her musical talent often as a pianist, organist, and accompanist. She adored participating in musical numbers with her husband.
Sheryl loved Jesus Christ and His gospel. She served valiantly in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society callings throughout her life. She often expressed her testimony through music. She had a close relationship with Heavenly Father through prayer. This communication blessed her in all stages of life, from bringing her first child into the world, to coping with disability in her later years. Above all, her Christlike ability to sacrifice and wear out her life for those she loved will always be engrained in all she knew.
What’s your fondest memory of Sheryl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sheryl?
Share a story where Sheryl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sheryl you’ll never forget.
How did Sheryl make you smile?
