Sharon Semadeni Obituary

Sharon Kirby Keen Semadeni, beloved matriarch of our Semadeni family, passed away peacefully at 8:15 AM on Wednesday, July 16, 2025; just 9 days shy of her 84th birthday. She was surrounded by loved ones at the Monument Health Care Center in Bountiful, Utah.
Sharon was born in Moran, Allen County, Kansas on July 25, 1941. She was cherished and loved by her mother, Lorine Keen, and was raised alongside her aunts and uncles by her widowed grandmother, Willie Keen. She was especially close to Aunt Faith (Moore), who, to this day, refers to Sharon as her "little sister".
Sharon joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in her mid-teens and remained a faithful disciple throughout her life. She had a strong testimony of the power of prayer and often expressed gratitude for the gospel as an anchor in her life.
Sharon was married to Marc Semadeni in February of 1961 in Gallup, New Mexico. They had four boys together: Steve, Justin, Wes, and Randy. They also opened their home to many foster children, bringing Sylvester Dutche and Genevieve Graymountain into the family. Sharon once commented, "When my babies came, I didn't know what to do but love them." Marc and Sharon made a living farming on Cedar Point in San Juan County, Utah. Later, Sharon and Jenny moved to Cortez, and then to Bountiful, Utah, where she spent her later years.
Sharon had many different jobs throughout her lifetime, including secretary, radio station receptionist, cashier, and money counter at the Lagoon Amusement Park, where she convinced her children and grandchildren to ride the scariest rides with her. She loved jobs where she could interact with the public. Along with riding thrilling amusement park rides, Sharon loved reading, crocheting, watching her Jazz basketball team, watching TV with Jenny, and sewing clothes for her children. She loved animals, especially her pet dogs, whom she pampered with love and affection. Sharon had an incredibly loving nature, and, later in life, often went out of her way to comfort others at her nursing home, even as she was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.
Sharon is survived by her "big sister", Aunt Faith; by her children: Steve, Justin, Wesley, Randy, Sylvester, and Jenny; and by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sharon Kirby Keen Semadeni's life was one of trial and triumph, grief and joy, love and kindness, care and strength. She left a legacy of unconditional love that will be forever etched in the hearts of those who knew her. Rest well, Sharon. You will be missed by many.
Service to be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at the LDS Church on Empire with burial to follow at the Cortez Cemetery. Light luncheon provided at the church afterwards.