Reta Darlene Sanchez

Darlene Sanchez passed away peacefully and comfortably in the afternoon, Friday, January 23. We are thrilled that she has shed her worn out body and is reuniting with loved ones. Born January 6, 1939, she spent many happy days in her hometown, Panguitch, Utah, surrounded by her loving family. She attended and graduated from Panguitch High School, where she thrived in many extracurricular activities, including editing the newspaper, founding the Twirlers Club, singing solo and with ensembles in music festivals, marching with the Bobettes, and attending many dances.

She married Joe Goulding in 1957. Together, they had three children: Kevin, Kelly and Dave. Joe and Darlene later divorced. She married Raymond Sanchez in 1970. They had one child, Rebecca. Raymond and Darlene later divorced.

Darlene certified as a graphic artist and worked in the print shop of the Utah Education Association and, later, in what became Jordan School District’s Printing Services. She led Printing Services for 25 years.

She cherished her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved the Savior and worshiping and serving Him in the temple–especially the Jordan River Temple. She also loved serving in Primary, Young Women and Relief Society. She served missions in the Family History Department, making records accessible, and in Church Hosting, giving tours of the Relief Society Building.

She volunteered with Jordan Credit Union for many years, eventually serving on the board and as Board President; volunteered with the Jordan Classified Employees Association, eventually serving as President; volunteered with and managed political campaigns; served multiple times as a Precinct Chair for her political party; enthusiastically participated in and led in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers; mentored single mothers; volunteered with and donated to endless charities and humanitarian causes; and loved her time in the service sorority Epsilon Sigma Alpha.

Darlene loved her family; reading; genealogy and ancestral history; clouds; butterflies; digging in the dirt of her beautiful yard, anticipating her cherished flowers–especially the daffodils; photography; giving gifts; keeping gifts; sewing; and later making and sending cards.

She relished road trips and traveling. She often told stories about Boston, Hawaii, Panama cruises, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Normandy, temple tours throughout the entire United States and cherished the friendships she made on her adventures.

She is preceded in death by many beloved family members, including her son, Kevin, sons-in-law, Randy and Brent, sister, Judy, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by many beloved family members, including three children, Kelly (J.D.), Dave (Hollie) and Rebecca (Mark), grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

The family wishes to thank the incredible staff of Cedarwood Assisted Living and Canyon Hospice. We will always remember your tireless, patient and loving service to our mom.

A funeral will be held Saturday, January 31 at 1:00 pm at Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary, 10055 S State Steet, Sandy, interment immediately following. Casual as well as semi formal dress is welcome. A viewing will precede the funeral from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Additionally, a viewing will be held at the mortuary Friday evening, January 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please worship in the temple, make a card or quilt, compliment someone, dig in the dirt or enjoy some daffodils this Spring.