Sharon Pickett

Sharon Ann Shore Pickett

Gunnison Utah

Sharon Ann Shore Pickett was born on January 12, 1947, to Harold and Lois Gene Shore in Salt Lake City, Utah. She passed away on July 6, 2026, in Gunnison, Utah. You may have known her as Sharry, but I had the privilege of calling her Mom. Mom had the unique experience of growing up in a home about a mile beyond the gate of Red Butte Canyon, behind the Fort Douglas military base. Her childhood was filled with wildlife—raccoons, mountain lions, rattlesnakes—and all the adventures that came with traveling to school from what was then an active military installation. She believed everyone had armed guards on their school bus.

Living in such a remote area, she was thrilled when she was soon joined by a younger sister and brother to explore the canyon with. My grandmother often said that once Mom started school, she would race home every afternoon, gather her siblings in the chicken coop, and hold “school,” teaching them everything she had learned that day. My aunt credits those lessons as the reason she could already read and write before starting kindergarten. Our family has long been entertained by stories from “the canyon” and the many adventures they shared there. We treasure those memories every bit as much as she did.

Mom graduated from East High School and later from LDS Business School. She began her career with the State of Utah, where she served for 38 years. During that time, she worked in several divisions before retiring from the Department of Natural Resources. We are incredibly proud of her career and the contributions she made. She received numerous awards and worked with several governors on projects including Don’t Waste Utah and Utah, A Pretty, Great State. Along the way, she built lifelong friendships and, as many would tell you, often served as an unofficial therapist to those around her.

While attending the Utah State Fair with a friend in 1972, she met the love of her life, Dennis Pickett. They fell in love quickly and soon eloped to Elko, Nevada. I arrived in 1973 as their only child. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 8, 1984—a day that remains incredibly close to my heart. 

Mom and Dad were always the kind of couple people admired. He held her hand—and her heart—until she took her final breath.

The three of us shared an exceptionally close bond and spent countless hours together, usually outdoors. Mom had one particular safety rule that became a family tradition: whenever we went exploring, she made all three of us wear matching clothes. If anyone ever asked, “What were they wearing?” she wanted to be able to answer, “Exactly what I’m wearing.” As a teenager, I wasn’t always thrilled about matching outfits, but today those memories bring tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.

 Mom was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She faithfully served in Young Women, Relief Society, Primary, Compassionate Service, and as a temple worker. She was also a steadfast partner as my dad served in several bishoprics over the years. Whatever her calling, she always gave a little more than was expected. Her quiet service, unwavering faith, and genuine kindness blessed countless lives and left an example that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Sharry was an extraordinary wife, mother, and grandmother. Our family may not have been large, but she cherished each one of us deeply. I know everyone says that, but in her case, it was profoundly true. Her love was genuine, her smile could brighten any room, and her heart was always open. She was not perfect—none of us are—but she was truly one of a kind and the kind of grandmother every child deserves.

We will forever honor her resilience, compassion, courage, wit, intelligence, unconditional love, and beautiful smile.

We love you, Mom.

We eagerly await the day we will see you again.

And don’t forget to wait for Dad right behind the moon.

Graveside Services will be held July 15, 2026 at 11:00 am in Redmond Cemetery. A viewing will be prior to services from 9:30-10:30 am at the Redmond church. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com