Sandra Irene Eshom, 76, passed peacefully away in her sleep at her home after finally losing her battle with cancer on Sunday, August 21, 2016.
Sandra was born in Moab, Utah, on April 2, 1940, to John Franklin Peterson and Ellen Irene Olsen. She lived almost her entire life in Moab with the exception of when she attended Steven Henager’s College in Salt Lake City after graduating from Grand County High School in 1958. She received her diploma from Steven Henager’s Executive Secretarial course and went on to work at Roy and Whitney Brokerage Co. in Salt Lake City.
When the time was right, Sandra moved back to Moab and went to work for Canyonlands National Park as one of the park’s first employees after its creation in 1964. She continued to work there for the next 30 years as its budget analyst and finally retired from federal service in 1994. Sandra then went on to work in the private sector for the next 10 years. Eventually, she was called to be an indexer for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Sandra met Marvin Edward Eshom when he was hired to install her family’s first indoor toilet. They were soon married afterwards on September 18, 1965, in Moab and went on to raise four daughters and one son. Marvin preceded her in death in 1991.
Sandra loved her sports. She could frequently be found at the ballpark playing softball, running softball tournaments or at the bowling alley throwing her favorite bowling ball. She also enjoyed volleyball. As she got older, computer games took over and you could always find her at her computer playing various games.
She is survived by her children Denise (Tim) Lumbardie; Corina (Tyler) Smith; Marva (Steve) Phillips; Shana (Mike) Bown; and Jeff (Jason) Eshom. Also surviving is her brother Bob R. Nelson of Price; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 27, at 1 p.m. in the 2nd Ward Chapel at 475 W. 400 North in Moab. The viewing will be from noon to 12:45 p.m., with interment following the funeral at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.
