Jerilyn (Jeri) Newby Obituary

Jerilyn Graff Newby, age 81, of St. George, Utah, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 29, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jeri was born on August 3, 1943, with her identical twin sister, Meri, in Cedar City, Utah, to Nelpher Orvil Graff and LaDene Williams Graff. Jeri spent her early years in Kanarraville before moving to Cedar City. Tragically, her father passed away when she was young, and her mother later married Harlan Walker, a loving stepfather.

In the summer of 1961, Jeri met her future husband, Sherrell "Shep" B. Newby, while they were both working at the Grand Canyon. They were married on January 5, 1962, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Mesa, Arizona temple. Jeri and Shep built a beautiful life together, filled with love, laughter, and faith.

Following Shep's unexpected passing in 1994, Jeri spent the next thirty years leading her family without a companion by her side. She continued to be a dedicated mother and grandmother, ensuring the family traditions they created together would live on. She loved spending time with her family in Pine Valley and Lake Powell.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jeri's life was marked by her unwavering faith and service to others. She served in numerous church callings, always seeking to lift and inspire those around her. Her kindness, compassion, and ability to see the good in everyone touched the lives of all who knew her.

Jeri's greatest joy was her family. She delighted in hosting family gatherings and made each occasion a time to celebrate love, create lasting memories, and strengthen bonds.

Jeri's life was a powerful testament to the enduring strength of love, faith, and family. She was a pillar of strength and a source of unshakable support for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Despite the challenges life brought her way, she remained steadfast and unyielding in her love and devotion to her family.

Jeri is survived by her three children: Lisa (Bill) Petersen, Troy (Ashley) Newby, and Jeff (Heather) Newby; her grandchildren: Shayli (Jake) Campbell, Ryann (Michael) Strong, Jed (McCall) Newby, Chaz Petersen, Jordan (Lexi) Newby, Carter (Rachel) Newby, Claire Newby, Reggie Newby, and Ellsie Newby; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Meri (Glen) Pryor and Suzie (Alan) Larson.

Jeri was preceded in death by her husband, Sherrell B. Newby; her granddaughter, Chelsi Dawn Petersen; and her sister, Rosalie Graff.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 1762 S. River Road, St. George, Utah. A viewing will take place at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the River Road chapel.

ZOOM Link: https://zoom.us/j/93709619329?pwd=r3aSp3phPfTZgguR0VCGcxAgyMCEFR.1

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Washington County School District Foundation - Chelsi Petersen Memorial Scholarship Fund. 121 W. Tabernacle St., St. George, UT 84770

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, 435-673-2454. www.SpilsburyMortuary.com