Abram Sterling Workman

On the morning of November 28, 2014, Abram Sterling Workman passed away peacefully at the home he had lived in for the past 46 years. The previous day, his large posterity gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving and to bid him farewell, fitting, during the season of gratitude, for someone with such a passion for God, country and family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years. She would be shocked and a bit angry with all of us to know that Sterling’s final meal on earth was ice cream and Dr. Pepper.

Sterling was born in Delta, Utah to John Cornelius and Florence Cook Workman. The fourth of nine children, he lived through the Depression and acquired a strong work ethic and a compassion for others that would come to define him. He is a WW II Navy veteran, a former South African Missionary, and served two additional missions with Colleen, one in Australia, another as President of the Florida Tampa Mission. In the final days of his life he received countless visits from former missionaries who loved his leadership and the life-changing influence he had on them.

Sterling’s line of employment was primarily with the Church—a job he enjoyed, but hardly a place where millionaires are made. Yet when it came to having meaningful relationships with people, Sterling had wealth untold. His formula for success was not something he learned in a book, but came as a result of a naturally pure heart.

Most people knew him as a gifted teacher. Most people knew him as an orator and engaging speaker. Most people knew he collected books, many of which he could call to memory even in his fading years. Most people thought of him as a gardener who paid meticulous attention to details in his Eden on Millstream. Most people thought of him as a kind man—except those who played golf or tennis with him.

He died the day after Thanksgiving but began his departure three years ago when his illness began to shrink his frame, and quiet his energy. It was a difficult three-year journey, but along the way his blue eyes never dimmed, his countenance never darkened, and he never stopped smiling, cracking jokes and treating caregivers with love and respect.

He is the father of six children, Jill Hurst (Mark), Jolene Hurst (Reed), David Workman (Eileen), Dennis Workman (Sherri), Scott Workman (Moana) and Jeff Workman (Julie), 24 grandchildren, and a yet-to-be determined number of great-grandchildren.

Memorial services for Sterling will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at noon at the Valley View 4th Ward, 2125 E. Evergreen Ave. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30. There will also be a viewing the previous evening (Tuesday, December 2) from 6-8 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 So. Highland Drive. Special thanks to Nubia and Melissa from Intermountain Home Health for the loving care they rendered Sterling in his final months.