Elizabeth F. Sowards

Elizabeth Farley Sowards, 82, formerly of Vernal, passed away Monday, April 25, 2016 in Bountiful, Utah after a short bout with pneumonia. Liz was born on September 30, 1933 in Upland, West Virginia to John Dewey and Rachel Henderson Farley. She loved her time in the mountains of West Virginia and adored her large extended family, but made Utah her home after she married her eternal sweetheart, Glade M. Sowards, in the Salt Lake Temple on May 29, 1952. An avid community supporter, dedicated church worker, and lover of music, she contributed much to Vernal, but dedicated most of her time to her husband and 10 children. . She is survived by her children: Becky (DJ) Morgan of Houston, TX; Olivia (Rick) Wallace of Houston, TX; Scott (Louise) of Vernal; J. Farley (Sherry) of Bountiful, UT; Allen (Kristie), Sam (Adrienne), Glade Michael (Elizabeth), and Christen (James), all of Salt Lake City, Kevin Sutterfield (Michelle) of Springville, UT and Trine (Russ) Nebeker of Farmington, NM. She leaves behind 35 grandchildren and over 50 great-grandchildren. Her husband, parents, siblings, daughter, Paula, and two grandchildren preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 29 at 2:00 pm in the Vernal 3rd Ward LDS Chapel (475 West 100 South). Family and friends may call at the chapel for both viewings, Thursday evening from 6-8 and from 11:45-12:45 hour prior to the services. Burial will be the Vernal Memorial Park. Services are entrusted to the care of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. The opening hymn, as requested by Liz, was Have I done Any Good? directed by Cati Vance. The invocation was offered by Olivia Sowards Wallace, and J. Farley Sowards shared Liz's life sketch. He was followed by a special arrangement of the Primary song, Where Love Is, sung and accompanied by 17 of Liz's 21 granddaughters. Becky Sowards Morgan and Christen N. Sowards spoke next. Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy was sung by Liz's six sons and son-in-law, Kevin J. Sutterfield, accompanied by Eleanor Marshall. The concluding speaker was Allen H. Sowards, followed by closing remarks by Bishop Olsen. The congregation sang Love at Home, and Kevin J. Sutterfield offered the benediction. Pallbearers were Liz's grandsons: David Morgan, Brandon Wallace, Brooklyn Sowards, Jonathan Sowards, Nathan Sutterfield, Taylor Sutterfield, and Steffan Sowards. The rest of her grandsons served as honorary pallbearers: Matthew Morgan, Michael Morgan, James Wallace, Dustyn Sowards, Elder Morgan Sutterfield, Dallin Slater, Landon Slater, Jayden Slater, and JR Nebeker. Internment was in the Vernal Memorial Park, where the grave was dedicated by H. Scott Sowards. Compassionate service was provided by the Glines Third Ward Relief Society, and funeral arrangements were provided by Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.