Sharlene Hammer Anderton

Heaven gained another helper as Sharlene Hammer Anderton finished her earthly journey on November 1, 2023 surrounded by love.

Her journey home was not an easy one, but we are comforted knowing she was met by loved ones with joyous celebration.

Sharlene was born February 28, 1935 in Ammon, Idaho to Lewis and Louisa Day Hammer. Her family included 3 sisters and one brother.  Her time in Idaho was where she grew up learning the value of hard work on their family farm. 

Sharlene attended Ricks College and Utah State University and achieved her degree in teaching. She accepted a position at North Summit as the Home Economics teacher. She enjoyed her students and the lifelong friends she made. She loved sharing her knowledge with others. Several stories have been shared about Miss Hammer being a favorite teacher.

It was during this time that she met a fun-loving local man known to all as Gilly Anderton. 

They were married July 11, 1959, and their marriage was later solemnized on December 11, 1961.  They were blessed in their marriage with 3 boys and a girl and made Henefer Utah their home. 

Sharlene had a love of community and service. She volunteered her time teaching 4H, supporting the DUP, American Legion, Business and Professional Women, Utah wool growers association, and the summit County fair.  She always enjoyed being an active participant in her local town and county government.  

She loved camping, gardening, rock hounding, sewing, and making a home for her family.  One of her great passions was reading; from magazines to informational texts, she loved stimulating her mind with literature. Countless books lined the walls of her home, and she made several book donations to local libraries. 

Sharlene was driven to service and was well known during the holidays for taking zucchini bread to local widows and widowers or making soup for someone who just needed a little pick me up. She really loved our little Henefer community and loved to help others. Our community returned her loving service ten fold.

Mom took our family on an annual summer trip to Idaho Falls and Ammon to the Hammer reunion. Treasured memories of her Idaho family are in our hearts.

Her love for the gospel and testimony of Jesus Christ were the foundation of her life. She was Henefer Relief Society president and one of the few women to teach Gospel Doctrine.  She served as an LDS missionary in the Salt Lake inner city service mission. Her testimony was a great comfort to her, especially during her many health challenges.

Sharlene was preceded in death by her husband Charles Ray 'Gil' Anderton, her parents, 2 sisters, and one brother and one great grandchild.  She is survived by her beautiful sister Glenda Wayne Sharp, her children, Charles 'Chuck' Anderton, David (Mary) Anderton, Steve (Deann) Anderton and Cathy (James) Trussell as well as 9 grandchildren who she dearly loved, 8 great-grandchildren, and several beloved nieces and nephews and several very dear friends.

Our family wishes to thank the Alpine/Encompass/Enhabit health teams for their years of selfless service. Every team member always went above and beyond. A very special thank you to her nurse Cory Ann for the 18 years of exceptional service and care. She loved you like a granddaughter, Cory Ann, and we can never thank you enough for loving her right back.  Thank you to ALL of you who have participated in her care over the years and for the hours and hours of the behind the scenes work.

Thank you to Whit Stephens.  It would take more than a lifetime to repay the kindness and countless acts of service.  Thank you to Bob and Judy Roath for being loving watchers of our legacy and our family. Thank you also to the Relief Society, who never failed to check on her and who have been a huge help to our family. Our gratitude is beyond measure to the Henefer community for helping our Mother.  She treasured the visits and felt genuinely loved.  She was truly blessed to call Henefer her home.  Finally, there are not enough words to adequately say thank you to our brother Charles 'Chuck' for accepting the role of caregiver so gracefully and willingly. Thank you for all you have done.  For 20 years, you have been the watchman, and we love you for the tender care you have provided.

Rest well, Mom, and hug Dad for us.

A visitation will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 5-7 at the Henefer Church, 632 N. Main, Henefer, Utah 84033. A Graveside will be held the following day November 6, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the Henefer Cemetery, 706 S. Henefer Rd., Henefer, Utah 84033.