Sherry LaDean Lloyd Bowles

Sherry LaDean Lloyd Bowles (LaDean), devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, returned peacefully (albeit reluctantly) to her heavenly home on March 1, 2024. LaDean was born May 9, 1932 to Gilbert John Lloyd and LaVera Harmon in West Jordan, Utah, the third of four children. From the beginning she was outgoing and vivacious, with a great zest for life. LaDean was always involved in many activities, groups, callings, and hobbies. She loved dancing, music, skiing, softball, roller skating, and boxing, at which she became a fierce competitor under her dad’s coaching. Throughout her life, music held a special place in her heart and she became an accomplished pianist and organist, facilitating countless musical opportunities for her family and community.

LaDean met the love of her life, Theron Arlynn Bowles, when he spoke in a church meeting after his mission homecoming. He asked her out a few weeks later and soon they were engaged, though without an engagement ring for 7 months as she was always quick to remind him. They married in the Salt Lake LDS temple on May 14th, 1953. They both loved music and dancing and LaDean fondly remembered celebrating at their wedding reception in the old Avalon Ballroom.

LaDean and Theron were eager to start their family and quickly added Gil, Sherry, Dawn, Bryce and Wade to their lives. Heartbreakingly, their sixth child, Jan, was stillborn. After her stillbirth, LaDean promised Heavenly Father that she would have as many more children as possible before age forty. True to her word, they joyfully welcomed Gloria (Sugar), Stuart, Michael and David to their family. With their children and their extended families, LaDean and Theron shared music, laughter, tears and joy together for 70 wonderful years!

The roles that LaDean most cherished were those of wife and mother. She worked tirelessly to help support and raise their ever growing family. She spent many years as a switchboard operator at the Salt Lake Police Station, the last few of which she was simultaneously helping her husband build a family business. The highest priority for both of them, however, was establishing a gospel-centered home in which to raise their family. They established traditions that strongly bound their family together across generations (East Canyon, monthly Birthday celebrations, and Christmas sing-alongs to name a few). In her neighborhood she was known as the “Nursery Rhyme Lady” as she loved to hear children recite their favorite rhyme before giving them candy on Halloween. She never forgot an important date or event, and never missed calling each of us to sing “Happy Birthday,” no matter how old or sick she got. Somehow she made everyone feel like they were her favorite. She had a sharp mind and could remember dates, times, events, and people with uncanny detail. She was an avid conversationalist and would counsel, admonish and lift anyone in need. She somehow always managed to find the silver lining in any situation. Many came to her for advice and guidance. Everything she did was shrouded in grace, class, and high heels if at all possible. She was a beautiful lady that always made you feel welcome and special.

LaDean was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in which she loved to serve. From Sunday School and Primary Teacher, many leadership callings, and years as secretary to the Jordan River Temple President she would faithfully do anything that was asked of her. She had an unshakable testimony of, and deep love for, Jesus Christ and His Gospel. She was a true example of faith and Christlike charity. LaDean was a scriptorian that knew and understood the Gospel forwards and backwards. She and Theron passed their knowledge, love, and testimonies on to their children as their greatest legacy. Throughout her life, LaDean developed many Christlike attributes; she was full of gentleness, meekness, patience, gratitude, kindness and unconditional love. She was a spiritual giant to all that knew her, she loved everyone, and was a friend to all. She was a noble soul and her perseverance and steadfastness are a wonderful example for us to follow.

For the last 6 years, LaDean has required special care, 24 hours a day. Her family would like to thank her many incredible nurses, doctors, and aides, who so tenderly cared for her. We deeply appreciate all that you have done. We love you, and your service will never be forgotten. Additionally, we want to extend all our love and gratitude to her many dear friends and neighbors who so selflessly visited, ministered to, gave blessings and offered the Sacrament to her and her family these past years. Thank you to all of her family for your willing and loving service; every kind deed was appreciated and she was deeply grateful! Sugar, we would especially like to thank you; you have given your all to care for your sweet mom and there are no words to express our love and gratitude.

LaDean is survived by her children Gil (Linnaea), Sherry (Rob) Osborne, Dawn (Dave) Warner, Bryce (Roseanne), Wade (Wendy), Gloria, Stuart (Lori), Michael (Kimberlee), and David Bowles, 40 grandchildren and 69 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theron Arlynn Bowles, parents, siblings, daughter Jan, granddaughters Hannah and Valerie, and great grandson Lincoln. She is dearly loved and we will miss her wonderful sense of humor, shining example, beautiful face, sweet smile and kind heart. When anyone left her house, she always made a point to stand on the front porch and watch and wave until you were safely on your way. We know she is still watching over her posterity closely and lovingly, as she always has. We treasure her long life, though it could never have been long enough, and we look forward to the sure day when we will see her again.

Funeral Services - Taylorsville Stake Center
4845 South Woodhaven Drive
Taylorsville, Utah 84123
Viewing March 15, 2024 from 6:30-8:30 PM
Viewing March 16, 2024 from 9:30-11:45 AM
Funeral March 16, 2024 12:00PM

The funeral service will be live-streamed at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83428087862?pwd=WTBzVWhPU3BJZUFaa1d0aStaN0podz09