to our dear Lord peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 22,
2018.
She was born August 17, 1925, in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Ratie
Tolton Searle and Jonathan Marion Searle. She had a wonderful
childhood growing up on a sheep and cattle ranch on Henry’s Fork,
Wyoming, with horses and dogs as her best friends. She was the Rodeo
Queen at age 16 in Manila, Utah. 50 years later she was invited back to
be honored and rode in the grand entry of the Rodeo. She attended
grade school in Washam, Wyoming, started high school in Manila, Utah,
and graduated high school in Lyman, Wyoming. She later attended the
University of Wyoming, studying liberal arts.
She is preceded in death by her parents and 6 siblings. She married William D. Hanks on Henry’s
Fork and later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. She was later
divorced and preceded in death by William D. Hanks and 5
grandchildren.
She is survived by her 5 children, Daniel (Jane) Hanks,
North Carolina, John (Linda) Hanks, Nevada, Julianne Hanks, Utah,
Nancy Roberts, Utah, Lori (Robert) Hill, Maryland. She is also survived
by 16 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, many great grandchildren,
step-great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and
served in some capacity in nearly every organization. She spent her
working years in the hospitality industry including manager of The Print
Shop Restaurant, Grandmother’s House Restaurant and years as dining
room manager at The Fort Douglas/Hidden Valley Country Club. She
was an avid gardener, cook and loved spending time with her family.
She worked (at the Church Office Building) until she started losing her
eyesight at age 77 (due to macular degeneration). She went to blind
school, learning mobility, cooking, computer, and woodworking, making
7 pieces of furniture. Mom said she was the embodiment of all the
people in her life making up the "Tapestry of her life," most of all her
precious children. She was grateful and the family wishes to thank her
wonderful ward family for all the love and support, including her home
teachers and visiting teachers. She loved her water aerobic friends and
was grateful for their support. She was a delight and inspiration to all
who knew her. The family is sincerely grateful for the love and tender
care she received in her final days. Ride with the wind our beautiful
elect Mother until we meet again.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Harman Ward, 4634 W. Harman Drive, West Valley City, Utah. There will be a viewing Thursday, December 27, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah and one hour prior to the services at the church.
