Phyllis (Newton) Sorenson

Phyllis Newton Sorenson, 88, our wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024, surrounded by her children in Tremonton, Utah. She was born on November 13, 1935, in Monroe, Utah to Leon and Nora Newton.  Mom had a fulfilling life filled with love, service, and passion.

Mom was raised in Salina, Utah and graduated from North Sevier High School in 1954. She excelled in various activities during high school including track and marching band while also serving as the Senior class secretary. Mom loved spending her summers at Fish Lake with her family.  In high school, mom noticed dad, the cutest and tallest boy in her class. Their first date was at a high school dance and they danced together the rest of their lives. 

Following high school, Mom furthered her education at Snow College where she obtained an associate’s degree in Secretarial Science. She then married her high school sweetheart, Gary Sorenson on September 1, 1956, and they were later sealed in the Logan Temple.  Together they continued their education at Utah State University where mom pursued an undergraduate degree in English.

After living in three different states, dad was transferred to Tremonton, Utah with his work.  We moved into the family home on Tremont Street where mom and dad lived for over 50 years.  Mom loved this community and the many lifelong friends she made.  She loved people, loved to visit and loved to laugh.

In her professional life, mom took a job after we were in school. She worked various jobs and retired in 2000 as the deputy clerk with the Box Elder County Justice Court after a twenty-year career.

Apart from her professional commitments, mom was actively involved in community service through her membership with the Tremonton Civic League for three decades. She held various roles within the league’s committees showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to bettering the community. She was named clubwoman of the year in 2009.

Even after retirement, Mom continued to serve others by volunteering at Bear River Valley Hospital where she held multiple leadership positions. Her selfless dedication earned her a prestigious service pin for accumulating 3,500 volunteer hours.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mom spent much of her time serving in teaching and leadership roles. One of her cherished callings was as a dance instructor with dad, teaching the youth how to dance during church festivals. Mom and Dad served an 18-month mission to the Brigham City Bishop’s Storehouse in 2006.

Mom was also a member of the Skyway Golf Women’s Association where she served as treasurer and president along with chairing several committees and tournaments.  Mom never let us forget about the time she shot a hole-in-one.

Alongside her many accomplishments and commitments, she found time for her passions such as oil painting - winning several blue ribbons at the Box Elder County Fair - gardening, sewing as well as enjoying travel adventures with dad. However, above all else, she treasured moments spent with family.

Mom never missed one of our ball games or activities growing up.  She was our greatest cheerleader, always encouraging us and supporting us.  Mom will be remembered as a great cook.  A home cooked meal was always ready at dinner time. We loved her homemade treats like applesauce cookies, her famous rolls, potato salad, and carrot cake that brought joy to many family gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Gary Sorenson. Her parents, Leon and Nora Newton. Her brothers, Mont Newton, Sam Newton, Riley Newton and her sister, Beth Fausett.

Mom is survived by her four children: Kathryn Wettstein of Logan, Utah; Brent (April) Sorenson of Smithfield, Utah; Karen (Sammy) Steinmark of Golden, Colorado; and Susan (Darwin) Bee of Tremonton alongside 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren who will continue to cherish her memory.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Noon at the Tremonton Stake Center (660 N 300 E, Tremonton) with a viewing prior from 9:30-11:30 A.M. The service will be livestreamed via www.ruddfuneralhome.com followed by interment at Tremonton Riverview Cemetery.

We would like to thank mom’s many neighborhood friends for looking in on her after dad passed away. And most recently, the staff at Our House Assisted Living Center for their compassionate care.

Thank you for everything you have given us mom; your legacy lives on through us all. You will forever be missed and we look forward to the day we can all be together again.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.