A. Sterling Workman

1926 ~ 2014
On the morning of November 28, 2014, Abram Sterling Workman passed away peacefully at the home he had lived in for the past 46 years. The previous day, his large posterity gathered at his home to celebrate Thanksgiving and to spend precious final moments with him. Sterling leaves a legacy of love for the Lord, his family, his country, and the simple joys of life.
Sterling was born in Delta, Utah to John Cornelius and Florence Cook Workman. The fourth of nine children, he lived through the Depression era and acquired a strong work ethic and a compassion for others that would come to define him. He served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years during WWII, and then in South Africa for 2½ years as a missionary. In 1951, he married Colleen Hale in the Salt Lake Temple. They would have six children: Jill Hurst (Mark), Jolene Hurst (Reed), David Workman (Eileen), Dennis Workman (Sherri), Scott Workman (Moana) and Jeff Workman (Julie). As a result of these unions, Sterling has 24 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
Sterling served in numerous church callings, including two times as bishop. From 1976-1979, he presided over the Florida Tampa mission, where he and Colleen would forge lifelong relationships with the saints in Florida and the elders and sisters who served during that time. In the final days of his life he received countless visits from former missionaries whose hearts overflowed with love and gratitude for the life-changing influence he had on them. From 1993-1995, he and Colleen fulfilled a service mission in Australia, where they once again were able to ply their talents to bless and uplift others.
Sterling's line of employment was primarily with the Church-a job he enjoyed, but not a job where millionaires are made. Yet when it came to having meaningful relationships with people, Sterling had wealth untold. His formula for success was not something he learned in a book, but came as a result of a naturally pure heart.
Most people knew Sterling as a gifted teacher and engaging speaker. Many remember him as a gardener who paid meticulous attention to details in his Eden on Millstream. Some knew him as a fierce competitor; he played tennis and golf well into his 80s, and could hold his own with opponents half his age. Almost everyone believed Sterling to be without fault, but he frequently enjoyed a glass of Dr. Pepper on the rocks. It was his only vice.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at noon at the Valley View 4th Ward, 2125 E. Evergreen Ave. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30. There will also be a viewing the evening prior (Tuesday, December 2) from 6-8 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive. Special thanks to Nubia and Melissa from Intermountain Home Health for the loving care they rendered Sterling in his final months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund.