Gaylene Harrison

Our feisty, independent and much loved daughter, sister, mother, aunt and friend, passed away in her son's loving arms where she slipped peacefully into heaven at her home in South Jordan, Utah on Dec 6, 2015 at the age of 76. She was born Feb 24, 1939 in Provo, Utah to Milton Earl Kirk and Verona Boren.

Gaylene grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah where she attended High School. At the age of 15 she left home to attend Stephen-Henager College where she learned business. She put herself through school and paid her rent by working as a soda jerk behind the counter at Walgreens. This is when she met the love of her life Kent Harrison.

She quickly had her first professional job around the age of 16 working at First Security Bank. She exaggerated her age as 18. She spent the majority of her career at Tracy Collins Bank and Trust. She rose quickly to Bank Manager. After working there only 14 years she was promoted to Vice President. Making Gaylene the first woman to receive this prestigious position at their institution.

Gaylene and Kent were married in 1957. They were married 17 years when they choose to begin a family. When Matthew (Matt) entered their lives they were very happy. Matt became the center of her life.

One of the benefits of working at Tracy Collins Bank and Trust was that the company owned a summer home in Yellowstone. Gaylene and her family spent many summers there creating wonderful memories.

Later in life she was diagnosed with a lung disease. She retired and moved in with Matt & Kaylene. She truly loved being with her grandchildren. They became the light of her life. She lived surrounded by her family. They took such special care of her and loved her deeply.

Her sister, Deaun and her daughter Nikki came to visit from Ohio this last June. She was so grateful to be able to visit with her.

Gaylene spent a great deal of time in St. George with her sister, Joan. She loved those outings.

She loved jokes. Especially the naughty jokes that she probably learned from Aunt Anna. She'd get a twinkle in her eye and sneaky quiet laugh under her smile. She loved to tease Deaun and joked around.

Matt and Kaylene, along with her grandchildren and one special niece, Heather Holliday made her final days comfortable. Gaylene loved them unmeasureably.

She is preceded in death by her best friend and husband Kent Harrison, parents Milton Earl Kirk and Verona Boren, and brother-in-laws Theral (Joan) Richardson, Bill (Deaun) King, Norman (Jean) Rogers, brother Triever (Elaine), Bill (Ardith) Wolf.

Gaylene is survived by Matthew (Kaylene D), grandchildren Nathan K, Taylor D., and Madison E., sisters Joan (Richardson), Nona Kirk, Deaun (King), in-laws Kermit (Yvonne) Harrison, Farren (Alene) Harrison, Ardith (Wolf), Norma Jean (Rogers), Elaine Harrison.

A special appreciation goes out to her sister-in-law Norma Jean, niece Heather Holliday and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their diligent and gentle care.

Gaylene, you are shining light and angel in our eyes. You kept a smile on our face and happiness in our heart. We will forever be enchanted by all that you are. The stars shine not so brightly without your presence. There will never ever be another you.

A viewing will be held on December 11, 2015 from 6:00-8:00pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City). Viewing prior to the funeral from 10:00-10:45am. The funeral will be held at 11:00am at the ward house 10115 S Yorkshire Dr., South Jordan, Utah.