Sarah Hays Shurtz

One of my dearest friends passed away 3 days ago. She fought the fight of her life and is now at peace on the other side. We miss her so much but feel comfort in knowing we will be with her again. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, eternal families, and the peace that knowledge brings. Sarah, you are the most beautiful person, inside and out. We love you forever.

Sarah Hays Shurtz (June 7, 1981 ~ Nov. 1, 2011)

June 7, 1981 ~ Nov. 1, 2011

Sarah Hays Shurtz, age 30, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2011 from her 16-month battle with cancer through which she courageously and gracefully fought to the end. Sarah, an Oregon native, was born June 7, 1981 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Lewis Hays and Donna McKenna Dotson.

Sarah was an avid runner who qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2007. She loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hiking, camping, competing in triathlons and various other races. Everyone who knew Sarah was captivated by her beautiful smile and laughter. She was a genuine friend to those who knew her. Her love for family and friends was apparent to all.

Sarah, a registered sonographer, loved working in the medical profession as she had a tremendous gift to love and serve those around her.

She met her husband Dan Shurtz in Salt Lake City in 2006. They were married in the Mt. Timpanogos LDS Temple on September 18, 2010. Sarah and Dan enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle appreciating the beautiful simplicity of life with "Sam", their dog and loyal travel companion.

She is survived by her loving husband Daniel Ray Shurtz; her parents Lewis Hays and Donna (Buster) Dotson; her siblings Jamie (Nick) DeVos, Phillip (Chantel) Hays, James Hays and Rebekah (Traven) Haaga.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Union Park LDS 5th Ward Chapel (7699 S. Chad Street, Midvale, UT ). Viewings will be held Friday, November 4th from 6 to 8:00 pm and again on Saturday, November 5th from 9:30 to 10:45 am in the Union Park LDS 5th Ward Chapel. Burial will be in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, UT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarah's name to the Utah Cancer Foundation or The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment.