Cherrol May Kearsley

Cherrol Kearsley, 83, passed away with her husband at her side on July 11, 2024, at Creekside Senior Living in Bountiful, Utah. Born March 9, 1941, in Brigham City, Utah, she was the daughter of the late Byron and Anona (Christensen) May. 

Cherrol grew up surrounded by the beauty and bounty of the outdoors. She enjoyed family adventures with her three siblings, gardening in their large backyard, fishing and camping in the mountains, and bravely fending off hungry bears in their family trailer in Yellowstone.

Cherrol graduated from Box Elder High School and attended Utah State University, where she met Joseph Blaine Kearsley. They married on May 17, 1963, in the Logan LDS Temple, marking the start of a remarkable and enduring partnership. A mere five months later, Joe's company transferred him to Blacksburg, Virginia. Cherrol, always up for an adventure and keen on organization and prep, partnered with Joe to quickly pack up and move across the country, leaving their families. Two years later, they moved to Minnesota for two years, where they welcomed their first child, Leo, in 1966. Shortly after that, Cherrol and Joe moved to their forever home in Bountiful, Utah, where they welcomed their second son, Alan, and daughter, Jill.

Cherrol had a successful career as a secretary and office manager throughout her life, with her most notable position at Leucadia. Highly organized, proficient, and a champion baker, Cherrol was an invaluable asset. Her peers and leaders highly regarded her. She happily baked her famous carrot cake for her CEO, Ian Cummings, to enjoy on his private jet.

Cherrol was a woman of many talents. She was a stellar office manager, cook/baker, and gardener. At work, she was an expert in shorthand and typing. Using the art of shorthand, she transcribed numerous speeches and conversations that would otherwise be lost. She could type a billion words a minute on a typewriter and transcribed all her children's school essays into perfect submissions.

Cherrol was a phenomenal cook and baker. She hosted numerous dinners with her family and friends, and she catered to every person's likes. Each dinner included at least ten separate dishes. She enjoyed bringing delicious baked goods to her neighbors and her church classes. She spent endless hours cultivating a beautiful garden and landscape surrounding her home. 

An outdoor enthusiast, Cherrol was passionate about camping, particularly in the Uinta Mountains, Moab, and Yellowstone. She loved road trips, hiking, and riding motorcycles. Kayaking with her husband, Joe, in their later years was one of her favorite activities. Cherrol excelled at snow and water skiing, showcasing her adventurous spirit and zest for life. She was also a talented accordion player, a unique talent that brought joy to many, even if it occasionally embarrassed Joe. Cherrol's family and friends will miss her greatly.

Cherrol is survived by her devoted husband, Joe; her three children, Leo (Victoria), Alan (Heidi), and Jill (Reni); her beloved grandchildren, Alexis (Wesley), Beth, Sierra, Emily, Asher, and Ryder; and her siblings, Wayne (Diane), Betty, and Alice (Brian). 

Cherrol's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at Creekside Senior Living and Inspiration Hospice for their compassionate support.

Family and friends are invited to an informal celebration of Cherrol's life to be held on Saturday, August 3, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bountiful Heights Stake Center, 33 South Moss Hill Drive, Bountiful, Utah. Bring stories! 

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming 'Wow, what a ride!'" - Bill McKenna