Ethel Vivian Shurtz

Ethel Vivian Shurtz passed peacefully in Taylorsville, Utah on September 20th, 2024, at the age of 81.

Ethel was born on August 28, 1943, in East London, Cape Province, South Africa. She graduated from Witwatersrand Technicial College in 1959 with a certificate in professional secretarial training. Ethel began working for Barclays Bank until she emigrated to America in 1963. She became a naturalized citizen in 1989.

She married Theral F. Smith in Utah and welcomed the first of her three children. They later divorced.

She eventually met Gordon Shurtz while bowling at Classic Bowling in Salt Lake City. They later married on May 27th, 1978, and they welcomed a daughter. 

Ethel is survived by her husband (Roland) Gordon Shurtz; children, Charmaine (Thomas) Pennington, Cameron (Megan) Smith, Jason (Carrie) Smith, Lori (Terry) Carlson; stepchildren, Cherie Ojeda, Nathan Shurtz, Darrin (Lisa) Shurtz, Brandon (Jess) Shurtz. 

She leaves behind 25 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. All of whom love her and will miss her. 

She is preceded in death by stepdaughter, Mindy Shurtz; siblings, Philipa, David, and Charles (Teddy).

Her children will remember her as a caring and compassionate mother who cared about her family, friends, and neighbors. Ethel enjoyed being in nature with her family and friends on camping trips. She was always willing to give a listening ear to anyone who needed it. Later in life, she enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and worked as a caregiver for the elderly and people with disabilities. 

Ethel often traveled difficult roads, but they led her to beautiful destinations and now she flies with the butterflies.

Ethel’s celebration of life is scheduled for October 12th, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 6364 South 3200 West Taylorsville, Utah. Services will begin at 1:00pm. Internment to be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the hospice staff at Utah Home Health and Hospice for their love and support.