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Sarah Hays Shurtz

BORN

June 7, 1981 ~ Nov. 1, 2011

Sarah Shurtz Obituary

June 7, 1981 ~ Nov. 1, 2011
Sarah Hays Shurtz, age 30, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2011 from her 16-month battle with cancer through which she courageously and gracefully fought to the end. Sarah, an Oregon native, was born June 7, 1981 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Lewis Hays and Donna McKenna Dotson.
Sarah was an avid runner who qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2007. She loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hiking, camping, competing in triathlons and various other races. Everyone who knew Sarah was captivated by her beautiful smile and laughter. She was a genuine friend to those who knew her. Her love for family and friends was apparent to all.
Sarah, a registered sonographer, loved working in the medical profession as she had a tremendous gift to love and serve those around her.
She met her husband Dan Shurtz in Salt Lake City in 2006. They were married in the Mt. Timpanogos LDS Temple on September 18, 2010. Sarah and Dan enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle appreciating the beautiful simplicity of life with "Sam", their dog and loyal travel companion.
She is survived by her loving husband Daniel Ray Shurtz; her parents Lewis Hays and Donna (Buster) Dotson; her siblings Jamie (Nick) DeVos, Phillip (Chantel) Hays, James Hays and Rebekah (Traven) Haaga.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Union Park LDS 5th Ward Chapel (7699 S. Chad Street, Midvale, UT ). Viewings will be held Friday, November 4th from 6 to 8:00 pm and again on Saturday, November 5th from 9:30 to 10:45 am in the Union Park LDS 5th Ward Chapel. Burial will be in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, UT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarah's name to the Utah Cancer Foundation or The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Shurtz

26 Entries

Audrey Walker

November 14, 2011

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Sarah today. We were in the same single's ward in SLC and then we worked at LDS hospital at the same time. I always enjoyed running into Sarah because of her genuine love and concern for everyone around her. She had a love for life that we evident in her eyes and smile. I know she loved to run and I remember seeing her running all over Salt Lake.
I lost my husband 9 years ago in an unexpected bicycle accident. I remember how smothering the grief felt; how heavy and unrelenting. But I also remember that it was part of the grief "work" that I needed to go through to be able to feel so at peace today. Be patient with yourselves and know that your loved one is cheering for you on the other side. Give Heavenly Father a chance to touch your heart through the love of others. Go to him often and allow the power of prayer to give you the peace and comfort you need to make it through each day. My prayers will be with your entire family.
Audrey Walker

November 8, 2011

Dan, We are so sorry for the passing of Sarah. It was our pleasure to meet her a few weeks back when you came to Michigan. In the short time we were with her we knew you had chosen a very special person to be your wife. Our prayers are with you. Jeff and Mary Kunz

Duy Beck

November 7, 2011

Daniel & Sarah's family - I was always humbled by Sarah's openness, joy, and most of all, amazing strength. Her attitude was always positive and an encouragement to me when I thought I was having a bad day. Lord, please continue to comfort Dan & family - may your gracious love rapture there hearts right now in this moment Jesus. We love you Lord and know that Sarah is in that 'beautiful, colorful dress' w/ you! Amen.

Maria Miles (Stutzman )

November 5, 2011

I will miss you my dear friend! My heart goes out to your family and friends and pray for healing and comfort during this time.

November 5, 2011

Daniel, encontraste una gran mujer, una verdadera santo de los ultumos dias. Ella se encuentra descansando en un lugar muy bello. Pedimos por ti para que puedas estar tranquilo ir superando poco a poco esta estapa junto a tu familia. Una ves mas te desimos que estas en nuestras oraciones y gracias por haberte conocido en vancouver mision. Desde Vancouver Canada la familia Norambuena Lombardo.

Tani Machette

November 5, 2011

I am shocked and sadened by Sarah's passing. Her and I atteneded GPHS together and lived on New Hope road growing up. She was always an amazing person with love and smiles. All my love and prayers are going out to Sarah's family today. Rest in peacefully in Gods arms Sarah.

kathleen jensen

November 5, 2011

Sarah was a warm shining inspiration to all who knew her. She loved freely and lived each day to the fullest with an attitude of appreciation. She was a sweet spirit who would not hesitate even in her own hour of need to help another. The Lord has welcomed home his chosen daughter and she suffers the pains of this world no more. She will always be with me and inspire me to appreciate every moment and live life to the fullest. My Love to the family especially becky and lew.

Ben E

November 5, 2011

Her survival with this cancer for 16 months is a miracle...still, her passing really hurts. Love to all her family!

John Wood

November 4, 2011

I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Sarah's illness and passing. I enjoyed working with her at LDS Hospital and felt of her tremendous spirit and love for the people she cared for. There will come a time when Sarah will be with us again, until then, may you feel of God's love and peace.

Cindy Thomas

November 4, 2011

So grateful she touched my life! The Lord must need angels on the other side too. Love and prayers go to her family, friends, and loved ones. We will miss her!

Courtney Tucker

November 4, 2011

So, sorry this happened, Sarah was an amazing, kind and adorable spirit. Courtney

H Robinson

November 4, 2011

I only worked with the husband at Symantec. Regardless of my personal knowledge, my Family and I feel for your loss. Ive lost a few friends of my own to Cancer, and Lost a grandfather to Poly-cystic Kidney Disorder. Its never easy. Ive made a donation to the foundations you mentioned. I know it wont bring your loved ones back, but you hope that money gets used to help save others from this kind of heart break.

Linsay Jarvis

November 4, 2011

I never met Sarah but I knew her friend, Kristen Murihead. I know she was a very special person!

November 4, 2011

We are truly sorry for the sudden passing of your beautiful Sarah. We are grateful we had the opportunity to meet her and see you once again. May Lord's spirit be with you during this difficult time. Marvel and Jim Dorrell

Holly and Richard Metcalf

November 4, 2011

We had the pleasure of knowing Sarah as a friend of our daughter. Sarah came to stay with us in Seattle for a few days and we loved her instantly. Our hearts are broken at her departure from this life, but we rejoice that we were privileged to know such a young woman.

To her family and loved ones and Dan we send our prayers for your peace and comfort and try to express our sorrow, too. She will be missed because she was loved well by you and by all who knew her.

Joey Ferguson

November 4, 2011

I send along my deep and heartfelt condolences to the family of this beautiful young woman. She is going to be missed by those who loved her so much. Jennifer Porto Carter, a huge hug of love and comfort at the loss of your beloved young cousin.
Joey

Karen Brown

November 4, 2011

Saw the news story about Sarah in 2010 and as a cancer survivor had to participate in the Sweatin for Sarah fundraiser. Did it again this year with more support and strength than the year before. I remember meeting her, her noticing my survivor ribbon on my running skort and hugging me and not being the first to let go. I cried the entire rest of the way. Sarah is a survivor in that she made permanent impressions on everyone she came in contact with and so she lives on in our hearts! Obviously God needed an angel in Heaven and we all know she had a very direct flight!!!

Kristen Muirhead selling D.A.C.shirts for Sarah

Marilyn Hess

November 4, 2011

In July of 2009, one of Sarah's good friends, Kristen Muirhead contacted Dancers Against Cancer to see if we could help her friend who was just diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer. What an honor it has been to get to know Sarah and Dan.
Sarah touched the hearts of those around her so easily and without even knowing. Many dancers in Utah and other states have donated money and time to help Sarah. We are blessed to have been involved in Sarah's fight against cancer and we wish her sweet husband and family comfort at this very difficult time! If you see someone wearing a Dancers Against Cancer shirt... please remember Sarah!
May Angels Lead You In....
Love,
Mare Hess
D.A.C. Corp

November 3, 2011

We had the wonderful opportunity to have Sarah come to Denver and stay with us. She was attending a wedding. We were all taken by her sunny smile, sweet pure spirit and her zest for life while fighting cancer. We all still talk about the love and cherrfulness she brought here. Deepest sympathy and prayers to the whole family, we love you.

Uncle Russ and Aunt Beverly Hays (Denver, Co)

Jenn Brown

November 3, 2011

I feel so blessed to have had Sarah in my life and to have been a part of hers. She was the most beautiful person I've ever known. She was so fun to be around. Thank you Dan for allowing her to spend time with her friends it meant a lot to all of us. My heart truly aches for you and the family right now. I'm so grateful for the times Sarah and I shared, I will cherish those memories for forever.You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin Jackson

November 3, 2011

Uncle Lewis, Aunt Donna, Jame, Jim, Phil, and Bec, I'm so sorry. I love you all and want to hug all of you. Sarah was a treasure, and her life here will continue to live on through all the wonderful memories of all the people who loved her.. And there was a lot. Although her time was too short, she made impacts that will last life times. My heart and prayers are with you!

Charlie Flentye

November 3, 2011

I love you all and pray for comfort and strength for each and everyone of you. Your big sister, your Auntie, and your friend.

Kim Barrus

November 3, 2011

I am so very sorry for your loss. She really is a remarkable lady. I knew her for a breif time really, we were introduced through a mutual friend and she joined our indoor coed soccer team. She was a joy to be around, always smiling and fun. She will be missed and prayers for her family and friends. ~ Kim Barrus

Melissa

November 3, 2011

To Sarah's Loved Ones:

Sarah and I were just acquaintances but she was a close friend of two friends of mine and I had the chance to travel with her on a single's cruise a few years ago. She was always kind and friendly. I am deeply sorry for your loss and know that the Lord is aware of you at this time.

Anonymous .

November 3, 2011

Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of loss...

Roxanna Naylor

November 3, 2011

Dear Family
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of such a wonderful wife, daughter and sister. She truly was a devoted daughter of God. May peace be with each of you at this time. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah at Cottonwood Hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time.

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