Sandy Harmer

Sandy Harmer graduated from mortal life on February 1, 2025. Sandy was born Sandra Lou Davis on September 23, 1946, in Filer, Idaho, the fourth child of Dan and Fern Davis. From her earliest days, Sandy brought joy to her parents and siblings. She attended grade school and middle school in Filer, Idaho, and completed high school in Elko, Nevada, where her family moved due to better teaching opportunities. Sandy excelled in cheerleading, band, and as drum majorette, ultimately becoming valedictorian. She continued her education at Idaho State College.

On June 19, 1964, Sandy married Jerry Harmer, her beloved husband. They eagerly anticipated parenthood, which arrived gradually: after a waiting period, they welcomed their first two children, Lisa and Toni. Soon after, Jeff and Scott joined the family in rapid succession. Later on, they were blessed with three more children: Kent, Kurt, and Kevin. Sandy devoted herself to raising their children while Jerry pursued a career at J.C. Penney, Fashion Fabric, and later in residential real estate.

In addition to her role as a dedicated mother, Sandy spent an incredible 33 years working full-time with Western River Expeditions. She embarked on the 187-mile rafting journey down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon over 25 times, often accompanied by Jerry, their children, and numerous relatives and friends.

The Harmer family also cherished 41 years as part-owners of three houseboats at Lake Powell, where they hosted family and friends, creating lasting memories for up to 25 people at a time. Sandy herself became an avid slalom water skier at age 40 and obtained her scuba diving certification at age 60, driven by her strong FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

Sandy's faith in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, and her active involvement in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were foundational in her life. She taught countless classes, served in ward presidencies, led the ward choir for a decade, and coordinated volunteer shifts at the Salt Lake Temple for two years. Together with Jerry, she volunteered at the Salt Lake and Draper temples for a total of 10 years. They also served an 18-month inner-city mission in downtown Salt Lake City.

Diagnosed with Myelofibrosis, a blood cancer, in 2008, Sandy courageously defied doctors' expectations of a 3-5 year lifespan with the support of family, friends, and the exceptional care at Huntsman Cancer Center, which she often praised as "a truly remarkable place with the kindest people on earth."

Despite her diagnosis, Sandy and Jerry embarked on countless adventures, checking off items from their bucket list. They traveled extensively with their children, grandchildren, and siblings, including a memorable trip to New Zealand where Jerry had served his church mission decades earlier.

In recent years, they enjoyed family dinners and visits, particularly relishing their time with niece Gina and her husband Jon Fondell, assisting with the completion of their farm in Wallsburg, Utah.

Sandy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her devoted husband Jerry, her cherished children: Lisa, Toni (Tim), Jeff (Lynne), Scott (Lisa), Kent (Nicole), Kurt (Olivia), and Kevin. Sandy adored her grandchildren Brooke, Canyon, Mackenzie, Peyton, Bridger, Ashley, Kayla, Tagg, Sloane, and Elodie. She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses and children: Don (late wife Bev), Nancy (Gerald), Jay (Carol), and Joyce (Torrey).

Sandy is now reunited with her parents Dan and Fern Davis, her in-laws Lewis and Lucille Harmer, and other beloved family members and friends who preceded her in death.

A celebration of Sandy's life will be held at the Orchard Park chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 7035 S Nutree Dr, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121, on February 8th at 10 AM, with a viewing the evening prior from 7-9 PM. Jerry and Sandy, residents of Cottonwood Heights for over 50 years, cherished their home, neighborhood, and the many friendships they cultivated.

The funeral will be broadcast via Zoom at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/99815106365?pwd=eUJFRXNuMzA3akFHUEdmb0VRb1NGZz09