Shawna Marie Backus

Shawna Marie Backus was born to Richard and Barbara Tarwater on November 3, 1974, in Tucson, Arizona. After a fulfilling and adventurous life, she passed peacefully surrounded by friends and family on September 15, 2024, in Provo, Utah.
As a child, Shawna enjoyed hanging out with her family and creating unique ways to have fun. After moving to California, she developed her love for the beach and water activities. In adolescence, she enjoyed playing sports such as volleyball and basketball for the high school teams. Shawna graduated from Indio High School with Honors excited for her next adventure.
After moving to Provo, Utah, she met her husband, Mark Backus, while she was working at Subway. On a snowy day upon visiting her Subway store, Mark seen her working and it was love at first sight! He was smitten by her beauty and asked if since she was from California, if she might be interested in doing donuts on the snow in the parking lot across the street after she got off work?!" Due to her courageous nature, that decision to do donuts in his truck led to thirty-one years of pure happiness, adventure, and joy with each other and in the family they created! Mark said it was the best decision of his life to ask Shawna to marry him and that she was incredibly amazing, pretty much perfect, and the love of his life. He felt so blessed every day to be married to her. The happy couple were married on August 7, 1993, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Once married, they moved to Payson, Utah, and welcomed their first child, Kelsey, shortly after. Shawna continued her education at Stevens Henager College where she graduated in Medical Assisting. She enjoyed working at multiple clinics after graduating, but most importantly, she loved being a mother. Their second child, Colton, was welcomed into the world shortly after the happy family moved to their first home in Eagle Mountain, Utah. A short while later, they had their last child, Katelynn, and their happy family was complete.
As a mother, she was actively involved in her children's lives. Shawna was very involved in the school districts, where she participated as PTA president, school community council, substitute teaching, school plays, book fairs, and Eagles Nest Fundraisers. Wherever her children were, she was there, ready with treats and support. Shawna attended every game, pageant, practice, recital, Eagle Scout project, and graduation. As she helped with homework well into the night, she would always use her engineering and creative mind to ensure they succeeded. Her children relished in her ability to make them feel special, whether she was throwing an elaborate birthday party, having fun holidays, giving unique gifts, and active listening to them. Shawna and her family enjoyed road trips and vacations all around the country, especially to the beach. She taught her kids many valuable skills that they will cherish.
Shawna was beloved by many and was described as an engineer, innovator, funny, calming, comforting, patient, loyal and was filled with Charity. She enjoyed engaging with her son in his business endeavors and watching Shark Tank, which inspired her in new ways to improve products! Shawna was not a material girl but someone who could find a great deal at Walmart and Amazon. Comfort was prioritized and she was regularly found in sweatpants, t-shirts and soft clothing. She had a quiet, calming demeanor that always made people feel relaxed and that everything would turn out O.K. She loved and served others all the time. Some of these service opportunities included the Festival of Trees, Luminaria, and other projects for those around the neighborhood. This love of others and charitable service was taught to her children, and they enjoyed doing these projects with her. Trying new things was an active part of her life in activities, food, events, and crafting projects. When she wasn't supporting her family, she spent her time going on walks, scrapbooking, crafting, brain games, and watching uplifting movies and sports. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had a very strong testimony of the Savior and her Father in Heaven and enjoyed her time in the temple with her husband. While serving in the church, she held callings in the Young Women organization, Relief Society, Scouts, and Primary. Shawna invented fun ways to share the gospel, creating lasting memories for those involved. Although being a homemaker was a full-time job, she also worked for Jetblue, where she enjoyed helping others see the world.
Shawna always prioritized others' needs above her own and lived a life in which everyone who knew her felt special. She will be missed but can be seen in birds, butterflies, and sunsets.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Mark Backus and her loving children and spouses: Kelsey Backus (Drew), Colton Backus (Averie), and Katelynn Backus.
Shawna is survived by her immediate family, including her parents, Richard and Barbara Tarwater; her siblings Don Tarwater (Sandy), Roy Tarwater (Megan), Tammy Nelson (Jeff), and Cory Tarwater.
We invite all to join in celebrating her incredible and inspiring life. A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 19, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. The services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 481 East Center Street, Orem, Utah 84097. Flowers can be sent to Walker Sanderson, 646 East 800 North Orem, Utah 84097.
Webcast available at: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyNjU0OTM0OTMyODUyNyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==