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CHRISTINE M. UTLEY
1948 - 2018
Jeannine Christine Maurer Utley "Chris", our courageous and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away surrounded by her family at home September 22, 2018 in Alpine Utah.
Chris was born to Clarence and Virginia Maurer in Sugarhouse, Utah on May 27, 1948 as the youngest of 5 children John, David, Larry, and Carolyn. After Virginia's untimely passing when Chris had just turned 4 years old she was joined by 2 sisters and a brother in 1952 Jane, Lauri, and Mike, then blessed with a little sister Melodie to round out the family. The Maurer family cabin added a life- long love for mountains and streams. Chris graduated Highland High School in 1966 and began her studies at the University of Utah.
Chris met Vernon Utley in July of 1968 and instantly fell in love and knew she was home. The two were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1969. Soon after they had their first two children, Ben and Matthew, as a young mother she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in Child Development and Family Relations in 1974. She was later able to use that degree when she created the Creative Learning Center, a pre-school, with her daughter Jenn. After Vern's military service and Chris' graduation they settled in Holladay, Utah where Gabe, James, and Jenny were born. Chris made her log home a never to be forgotten learning center where she exemplified obedience, sacrifice and the consecration of her life to her family and to God.
In 1994 they moved to Alpine Utah where they finished raising their two youngest children, and began what was her greatest joy, raising grandchildren. In this period where she was known as "Grammy Bear" and "Mimi" she shared an unconditional love that was known by all her 21 grandchildren. She was a superb Mother-in-Law to Kimmie, Emily, Sara, and Marc - none of them ever doubted her love.
In June of 1988 a significant life experience took place when her 18 year old son, Ben, tragically passed away. Chris and her family were forever changed. Chris valiantly faced many physical ailments and emotional challenges. The amputation of her right leg in 2014 and then breaking her left leg in July 2018 made life increasingly difficult. As hard as life was, Chris always had a smile and positive outlook, and had a special way of finding the fun in everyday situations. Those of us that were fortunate to interact and share it with her were blessed.
Chris was a brilliant communicator. She was 100% with you, eye to eye and heart to heart. She also drew people in by her inspired and creative writing. In spite of a challenging childhood she had an enormous faith and trust in Jesus Christ to heal and strengthen all who come unto Him.
There will be a Celebration of Life at her home Thursday September 27th from 6:30-8:30 pm. 646 N. 610 E., Alpine Utah, 84004.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 28, 2018 at the Moyle Park LDS Ward Chapel, 1125 East Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to services at the church. Services will be followed by a brief family lunch at the church. Interment will take place in the Salt Lake City Cemetery at 2:30 pm.
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Marsha Draper (Fryer)
I was so sad adding this obit to our "In Memory" pages. I met Chris Maurer in Junior High and we became friends quite easily. We had a lot in common, in hobbies, choir, some of our other friends, etc. Sometimes we did things on the weekend, or after school, and I would go to her house or visa versa.... at any rate, we had a lot of fun just hanging out! Somewhere, she picked up a nickname to call me, "mush". I have absolutely no recollection why, but just that she called me that. What a weird memory!! Things got busier in high school, and although we were still very good friends, I didn't get to see her as much, only had choir together, I believe, and I really missed being around this funny, wonderful girl. After we graduated and went our separate ways, we fell out of touch, and I've always been sorry. I was so touched in reading Chris' obit, seeing all the incredible accomplishments she's had in her life, despite some major set backs. Such a trooper, this lady. Heaven is gaining an angel for sure! RIP, dear Christie! xoxo
Susan Allred (Harris)
This makes me so sad! I grew up with Christie, we were in the same ward and went thru grade school junior high and high school together. There were at least 7 of us girls that hung out together and did just about everything together. Then college, marriages, and life got in the way of keeping track of each other! I miss the old days and all my friends from East Stratford Ward! Miss you Chris,! Till we meet again!!
Sandra McCann (Poulsen)
What a sweetheart Christie was. She was always so warm and friendly to everyone, and genuinely so. I was sad to read that she had so many struggles. But it reads like she dealt with them in faith, in stride and remembering her blessings—a great example to us in the 60’s and to all those who knew her throughout her life. I’m sure she’s enjoying rich rewards for that example now.
Elline Davis (Moberly)
It's so hard to lose such a dear, dear friend, and to put into words how very sad Chris' passing makes me! We were wonderful friends from the time we were very little girls, living just around the corner from each other. We went to Church together for 17 years, went to all the dances and parties together, had sleep-overs, shared secrets, drove in the scary, icy snow together as we headed to school. Sometimes she would have me drop her off to work at the hospital and let me take her car until she was done with her shift. Because I moved the Southern California shortly after High School, I have had a hard time staying close to many friends I loved so much in school, but Chrissie and I were two who did keep in touch. What a sweet and special friend she was! Yes, she did have more than her share of struggles throughout her life, but she also had a loving, sincere, appreciative attitude of thankfulness for all the wonderful gifts God had given her. She had an amazing, loving husband and five wonderful children who brought such happiness to her. She had a beautiful gift of compassion, of faith, of understanding, of forgiveness. One of her many accomplishments was creating and running an amazing Preschool in her large basement. She was so happy to show me how it was organized and how she and her daughter efficiently ran it.
I think one of her greatest talents was writing. She wrote and wrote and wrote. Now I wish I had asked her to share more, or to send me some of her work. The one thing I remember vividly was when I visited her home a few years ago, and her sharing a story she wrote about her thoughts of MY mother! I thought my mom was one of the greatest ladies that ever lived, but I was touched that Chris also loved my mom! I will miss her so much, but am glad that her many health problems are now behind her. She even now has her leg back -- and now it doesn't hurt!! Rest now, dearest friend. I'll love you forever ~