Sharon Larayne Southern Farnsworth

Our beautiful mother and friend, Sharon Larayne Southern Farnsworth, passed peacefully in her sleep on August 13, 2026. She returned to her heavenly home and reunited with her recently departed sweetheart, Arthur “Artie” Farnsworth, her beloved husband of 52 years, and her cherished daughters, Mistylee and CarrieAnne, both of whom she had missed for so many years. While her absence leaves a profound void in the lives of those who love her, we find comfort in knowing she is once again surrounded by those she has longed to see. What a joyous reunion she is having!

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Joseph and June Southern, Sharon was a treasured wife, mother, and grandmother, with an unwavering devotion to her family. She loved fiercely, and loudly, and strived to treat everyone she met with compassion, and leave them a little better than she found them. She loved people; getting to know them, complimenting them, chatting with strangers, and never met a person who couldn’t help but share their story with her. She loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Sharon was a woman who valued honesty and compassion at every turn. Especially in her younger years, she found it difficult to say no, a trait that brought both challenges and opportunities into her life. Yet she faced every hill and obstacle with grit and determination, fueled by her love for others and a healthy measure of stubbornness.

She devoted her life to serving those around her, including friends, neighbors, church members, and most especially her family. Her roles as wife, mother, and friend became part of her very essence, and she embraced those responsibilities with the same dedication and respect as if she had been leading a boardroom or a nation. She was proud of her accomplishments, and although some of her dreams (Broadway) were set aside, and a lot was asked of her in the way of carrying others, she never harbored bitterness about the life she was given. One of her greatest joys was being a “choir mom” to each of her children, supporting, encouraging, and celebrating them through the years with unconditional love and plenty of advice—both solicited and unsolicited—whether or not they were quite ready to hear it.

Sharon loved the theater, delighted in trying new crochet patterns, and was always eager to take on a new project, from home improvement, to gardening, and crafting. She valued hands-on learning and possessed a remarkable ability to figure things out as she went, making the results match her initial vision. She always moved forward with purpose and resilience.

Through her passing, Sharon is survived by her children, Sharayne, Taylor, Abbeylin, her favorite grandson as well as her and faithful doggos, Beau and Sazzie. She is also survived by her brothers, Doug Southern, Joseph Southern, and John (Carmen) Southern.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during a public viewing on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010. A private graveside service for immediate family members will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Sharon's legacy of friendship, service, perseverance, and love will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life stands as a testament to devotion, compassion, and the enduring power of caring deeply for others.

We love you Grandma Nanna! Rest with your angels until we are all ‘together forever’ again!

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may contribute to a family support fund to help with final expenses in Sharon’s memory: https://www.supportnow.org/the-farnsworth-family