Sharon Nelson Bench

Sharon Nelson Bench was born on March 1, 1949, to Frank and Erma Nelson. She was the second oldest of nine siblings and grew up in Rose Park, Utah. Sharon married the love of her life, Calvin Dean Bench, on February 21, 1969. Their marriage spanned 57 years and was filled with adventure, loyalty, and the strength to navigate life’s ups and downs hand in hand.

Sharon was a loving mother to three children: Lisa ( Marc) Dayley, Marcie Valdez, and Brandt (Summer) Bench. Sharon and Calvin raised their children in Glendale before moving to Woods Cross in 1976, where they created a home full of laughter, love, and countless memories. Their yard overflowed with vegetables, fruit trees, flowers, and most of all, joy. Sharon loved to plant flowers. When she ran out of space at her house, she started planting flowers for the neighbors and her children. These annual blooms will continue to remind us of her love.

Sharon graduated with an Associate's Degree in Nursing in 1968. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse in various hospitals, hospice care, and nursing homes. She loved her career and the opportunity to care for others. Following her nursing career, she used her knowledge to help develop some of the first medical insurance coding books. Many of the codes she helped develop are likely still in use today. She retired early to assume her favorite job, Grandma. She spent many years babysitting her grandkids and keeping their house open for anyone who needed a soft place to call home. Sharon’s very favorite thing to do was hold the babies. Her lap was every child's favorite napping place.

Sharon held many titles, but by far her favorite was Grandma. She was also affectionately referred to as “Grandma Hoot” by Lisa’s family. Sharon was blessed with nine beautiful Grandchildren: Ashley, Skye, Cody, Andrew, Kira, Jade, Skyler, Shyli and Ambri. The family grew with the addition of 6 amazing great-grandchildren: Arianna, Colby, Dean, Joshua, Amity, and Huxley.

Sharon was a kind and caring individual. She loved fiercely and was an advocate for anyone in need. She was often the first to step up and offer generous assistance. Sharon and Calvin worked hard their whole lives, and felt their treasures were meant to be shared. Every grandchild was supported in their pursuit of talent and extra-curricular activities. They not only ensured there was no financial burden for the grandchildren to participate, but they were also their greatest fans and always loved attending performances or games.

Some of Sharon’s favorite moments were holidays and being out on the back porch watching the kids play. If she knew you loved something, she made sure it was in the house waiting for you. There were always buttered Rhodes rolls, funeral potatoes, creamies all summer long, a Pepsi for Brandt, and a cherry Coke for Lisa.

The last few years brought many health challenges, and Sharon met each one with remarkable strength. A silver lining during this time was the wonderful caregivers who came into her life. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Kenzie Hughs from Caregiver Support and the wonderful residents and staff at Legacy House, who filled her final months with friendship and fun.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Keith, her beautiful daughter Lisa, and her angel grandbaby Andrew.

Services will be held at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, on Wednesday, April 15th. A viewing will take place from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM, followed by the service at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at Bountiful Cemetery; open comments at the graveside are welcome.