Jeri Guss

The trouble with time is that there isn’t enough. For Jeri Guss, forever wouldn’t have been enough—never enough time to run her business-Jeri’s Sauce, boat, golf, travel, exercise, shop, and love animals. On Oct. 6, 2015 our dearest Jeri died peacefully at home.

Jeri was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 11, 1936 to Carlyle “Ky” and Fannie “Boots” Spitzer. Her childhood was filled with memories of happy times spent with family. Though a “city girl,” she found herself in love with a Utah “cowboy”, Irvin Guss. They married May 30, 1958 and had two daughters, Melissa and Nadine.

Jeri lived for her family. She leaves behind her daughters and their spouses, Tim and Clayton; three grandchildren, Nathaniel, Kyleene, and Kira—all whom she adored. In death, she joins her grandson Isaac, her parents, and her beloved husband Irvin.

In her 79 years of life she had many accomplishments. She was an entrepreneur, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. [Melissa Guss-Hoffelmeyer] Besides owning and operating Jeri’s Sauce , she was a docent at Hogle Zoo for two decades, taught the public about raptors, was a licensed falconer, and volunteered with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Our family thanks everyone for the tidal wave of love and support. Jeri will be terribly missed by all who were charmed by her defiant, yet generous nature. She did not go timidly, rather battled her cancer with the sass and irreverence it deserved. To all that knew her, this is no surprise. We would especially like to thank Dr. Theresa Werner, the HCI team, and her adoring Karen.

She lived an unfiltered, limitless life. She was active, vibrant, vivacious, fearless, sassy, and “nuts.” Jeri spent her time laughing and selflessly giving to others.

Funeral services: Oct. 9, 2015 at 12:00 p.m., Evans & Early Mortuary (574 E. 100 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84102). A celebration of Jeri’s life will immediately follow. Come raise a glass (or two) and celebrate a life lived out loud.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Best Friends Animal Society, Huntsman Cancer Institute or Chabad Lubavitch of Utah.