<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><channel><title>Home Page Top - The Salt Lake Tribune</title><link>http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/RSS/rssfullpichomepage.csp</link><description>Stories from The Salt Lake Tribune</description><language>en-us</language><webMaster>webmaster@sltrib.com (Webmaster)</webMaster><item><title><![CDATA[ Dorothy Center ]]></title><storytext><![CDATA[ Dorothy Janet Center (Christiansen) 1939 ~ 2026 Cherished and beloved mother Centerville, UT-Our beloved mother, Dorothy Center, passed peacefully on March 10, 2026, in Yuma, Arizona comforted by her two sons. Dorothy lived her life on her own terms, making the most of every moment. Dorothy was born August 24, 1939, in Fountain Green, Utah, the second daughter of Kjeld Christiansen and Carol Schwab, Christiansen. When Dorothy was 2 years old, her father passed away and her mother, Carol with her two daughters moved to Salt Lake City for work opportunities where she later married Larry Eggett and they had two more children Lynn and Susan. Dorothy attended school in the Rose Park area of Salt Lake until the end of her junior year at West High School. Just before her Senior year of High School the family moved to Bountiful, Utah where she was in the first graduating class of Bountiful High School (1957). When Dorothy was 23 years old she married Gary Sayward Center. They had two children Scott Sayward Center (1963) and Rand Kjeld Center (1965). Dorothy had one grandchild who she completely adored, Kendall Marie Center, daughter of Scott Center and Valerie Thoren in 1987. Through raising her children, due to her nature Dorothy/Mom often found herself being a surrogate mother to many of her son's friends in need of a hot meal and a warm bed. Mom Loved Life and loved to explore new places traveling the western US, Mexico, Japan and Canada. Some of her favorite things were reading, good music, dancing, wildlife, bird watching from her feeders, a good beer or glass of wine, dark chocolate, and another adventure. Nothing delighted Mom more than hearing about the adventures of her children and granddaughter. She listened as they shared their stories with genuine excitement, often laughing and wanting more information, living vicariously through them. She cheered them on in everything they did. At the time of her passing, Dorothy was visiting Rand and his wife Gabrieal in Yuma Arizona where she was experiencing another one of her adventures. ]]></storytext><image><caption><![CDATA[ Dorothy Center ]]></caption><height></height><width></width><photo>https://cache.legacy.com/legacy/images/Cobrands/saltlaketribune/Photos/SLT0037523-1_20260323.jpg</photo></image></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Lawrence Christensen ]]></title><storytext><![CDATA[ Lawrence "Dude" Burningham Christensen 1930 - 2026 Bountiful, UT-Lawrence "Dude" Burningham Christensen was born March 11, 1930, as the only child of Laurence E. "Pop" & Vera "Mom" Elizabeth Burningham Christensen. He passed away on March 19, 2026, a short time after his 96th birthday. He spent the evening surrounded by loved ones, sharing in happy moments and memories, and not missing the chance to crack a few jokes before peacefully passing away. As an infant he didn't crawl on his hands and knees, rather on his hands and feet, his aunt exclaimed he looked like a doodlebug as he tried to crawl, and that nickname stuck and eventually became the name we all knew him by . . Dude. Much of his childhood was spent enjoying and learning about the natural world around him, he had a profound love of the outdoors that began in childhood on the hills hunting, foraging, observing, imagining and simply being a part of this wild world. The mountains above Bountiful were a part of his soul, and as someone once said he was like a 'mountain goat' traversing those hills. He married Betty June Sessions on August 4, 1950, and together they raised their 5 children in Bountiful. He remained close to all his children throughout their lives, still having weekly breakfast dates with them as long as they were able. So cherished are the memories of him taking them camping and fishing and enjoying the outdoors. He owned and operated a family asphalt paving business and as such he has left a bit of his legacy in many of the driveways and parking lots that are in Davis County. To describe him as a man of many talents is not enough. He was an avid fly fisherman who tied his own intricate flies, an accomplished archer who designed and created his own bows and held patents on designs for arrowheads, a picture of health and fitness throughout his life as a body builder, he played the guitar and studied a variety of subjects simply out of curiosity and a joy for learning. He went through the world in such a way that he was a creator, not simply an observer, he often engineered tools for specific jobs and was always finding new and inventive ways to reimagine things around him. He likewise had a mind of an artist and saw the world through eyes of wonder and beauty and had the amazing ability to turn that wonder in to the most beautiful oil paintings that grace the walls of many homes of loved ones. He has too many lifelong friends to name, but they know who they are, and they know how much they meant to him, many of them could be found at local cafes sipping coffee alongside him over the years. His quick wit and clever jokes will not be forgotten by any of those sitting across the table from him nor the waitresses serving him. He is truly a legend in these parts. His love of the outdoors was fondly shared with and passed on to generations of his family. Many of the most cherished memories of loved ones are with him while camping, hunting, hiking, slowing down to take in the scenery and simply picking up beautiful rocks and pieces of wood for grandma along the way. His legacy will live on through many of his accomplishments and hobbies that have left an indelible mark on those they touched, but his true legacy is his family. More than just his children feel a bond with him as a father, and his greatest joy in life were those relationships he had with each and every one of his loved ones. He was grandfather to 21 grandchildren who will miss him terribly as he was a magical kind of grandpa, he lit up with delight at the sight of each one every time he got to see them, and the memories that he created will live on with each of them. He was always ready to brighten a mood, to lift a spirit, offer a pun, to crack a clever joke and to laugh at his own. His joy and laughter, quick wit and love will be missed by all who had the privilege of enjoying him. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty, Son Harvey Ray "Skip" Larsen, Son Larry (Bobbi) Christensen, Son Roger (Karen) Christensen, and his sweetheart Velma Hallman. He is survived by his children Robert Dennis "Denny" (Vicki) Larsen, Jill (Chuck) Sperry, 21 Grandchildren, 44 Great Grandchildren, 18 Great Great Grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 S. 200 W., Bountiful, UT. Viewings will be held at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main, Bountiful, UT on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services. ]]></storytext><image><caption><![CDATA[ Lawrence Christensen ]]></caption><height></height><width></width><photo>https://cache.legacy.com/legacy/images/Cobrands/saltlaketribune/Photos/SLT0037538-1_20260323.jpg</photo></image></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Sandra Clark ]]></title><storytext><![CDATA[ Ms. Sandy Clark 1948 ~ 2024 Sandra "Sandy" Welling Clark arrived June15,1948 in Salt Lake City's Holy Cross Hospital; across the street was the adobe home where she and her younger twin sisters, Norene and Nadene, would grow up. Kathryn "Kay" Harper Welling (Pleasant Grove, UT) raised her daughters after the indelible passing of their "Dad", Ward Holmes Welling (Fielding, UT) in 1960. Sandy had Leopard Pride in her education and the 1966 Class of East High School all her lifetime. Her BYU, Provo dorm mates were beloved household names for more than five decades. She married Richard Scott Clark in 1971 and later divorced. In 1972 Sandy contracted to teach English at Hillcrest High School (Midvale,UT), walked for her BA, and gave birth to Margaret "Maggie" Elizabeth Clark. Quickly a single mother she set about creating a home with customs and traditions that would last them a lifetime. She finished a Masters in Education from University of Utah in 1976 and purchased her bungalow, hanging her Campsite Occupied sign, in 1977. These were not easy feats for a woman in the 1970s. Her passion for language and, gifted talent for teaching teenagers made her a beloved teacher. She was well awarded, classes gave her "Best Ever" plaques and student Christmas cards continued arriving till her passing. Sandy co-created a program for at-risk-kids, Impact; for which KUED and Utah PTA honored her with The Golden Apple Award in 1998. Sandy and Maggie would share campfires, 24th of July BBQs, family milestones, hiking trails, high water river runs, miles of "dotty" dirt roads, and holiday feasts with Hillcrest's Boiler Room Gang, and their families, for decades. Christmas began pre-dawn unwrapping gifts with Maggie, resumed with her sisters at Norene's, reviewing the year with extended family, and ended with her hosting an intimate dinner in her home. It was her favorite day, every year. Sandy's lifestyle of outdoor enthusiasm modified with the capacity of her body and she reveled in nature in her veggie garden and watering her flower pots in later years. She supported SLC performing arts throughout her adult life, because, "It filled her cup!" Sandy voted every time for duty and privilege. She traveled to Paris with Mag and their chaperone Philippe, fluent in French, for two weeks in 2007, her "favorite trip". She toured the Carolinas and stayed on Hilton Head Island. Sandy quit cigarettes in 2020.She ordered mobile oxygen and requested a return to Zion; on her 70th, she soaked her feet in the Virgin River! Sandy's severe scoliosis had disfigured her and the pain was unbearable for over a decade, but her eyes twinkled to schedule a knee replacement. "Use it up. Wear it out." The family acknowledges Sam Dunn, Sandy's confidant, friend and caretaker in the last year of her life, he is a consummate gentleman. Sandy died December 23, 2024 of scoliosis complications. She had said goodbyes and was surrounded by her sisters, daughter and honorary son, John when she floated from line of sight, downstream around the bend, so peacefully. Please, join us Sunday May 3. 2026 in a Celebration of Sandy's Life at The Orangerie, located in the visitor's center of Red Butte Garden and Arboretum: 300 S Wakara Way: Salt Lake City, UT; 84108. Attendees will have free access to the garden's trails, come as you like! We are gathering from 10AM to 1PM, speakers will begin at 11AM, a light luncheon and toast will be served. The family asks in lieu of flowers donations be made in her name to Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance https://suwa.org/ or; KUED at https://www.pbsutah.org/ Utah's public broadcasting system. ]]></storytext><image><caption><![CDATA[ Sandra Clark ]]></caption><height></height><width></width><photo>https://cache.legacy.com/legacy/images/Cobrands/saltlaketribune/Photos/SLT0037573-1_20260326.jpg</photo></image></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Leah Ann Krueger ]]></title><storytext><![CDATA[ Leah Ann Krueger (Tew, Pacheco) 1954 ~ 2026 Our beloved Leah Krueger has completed her beautiful, adventure filled time here with us. She was born in Salt Lake City, UT on October 9, 1954 and graduated Granger High School 1972. Leah radiated magnetic energy and a generous spirit. She lived life to the fullest with profound gratitude. Her laugh, smile, and presence lit up every room she entered. Leah was a two time cancer survivor; however, on March 5th, 2026, she suffered a catastrophic stroke silencing her bright laugh and dimming the mischievous twinkle in her eye. March 10th, 1991, Leah married the love of her life, Gary Krueger, in Hawaii. His sudden passing in 2016 broke her heart, yet she continued to seek new adventures, travel, and unconditionally love her family and friends. However, she yearned to be with him again. They had a rare and epic love. In the early hours of March 11th, surrounded by her family and a friend, wrapped in the love of so many who adored her, Leah peacefully took her last breath and completed her earthly journey. We had suspected she might choose to leave on her 35th wedding anniversary, yet in true Leah fashion, she silently "brokered" a solution that worked for everyone. Technically, it was still before midnight in Hawaii, allowing her to join her husband and create her own perfectly timed day. One of Leah's greatest gifts was her ability to build and nurture relationships. She formed friendships with nearly everyone she met. Once you were her friend, you were a friend for life. Her girlfriends were among her most cherished treasures and her lunches with the ladies was just an example of that. Leah filled her life with adventures. She filled countless trips to Mexico, Lake Powell, St. George/Mesquite, San Juan Islands, Australia, Alaska, Spain (and more) with guaranteed belly laughs, card games, and shenanigans. Leah left us with iconic stories that will be told for years to come. She was so much fun that one of her granddaughters insisted her Senior Trip was to be a "Senior & Senior" road trip with her Nana. Her favorite get away spot was Little Red Creek. If you were lucky enough to be invited to this sacred retreat, you were in for an unforgettable experience. It held a magical respite from the noise of the world. She was closest to heaven sitting atop the Red Cliff Ledge. Real estate, leadership, and mentorship were her passions throughout a distinguished 47-year career. She was dedicated to helping others succeed and took great pride in her clients' satisfaction, even after stepping back to focus on her family. She was a top producer at ERA Village, Wardley Better Homes & Gardens (later Coldwell Banker), and finished her career with Century 21 Everest. Leah was also a proud and active member of the Unified Police Department Honorary Colonels. Leah was fiercely proud of her children and the daughter Gary brought into her life. She loved them all along with their children and grandchildren. She and Gary spent decades enjoying the peace and tranquility of their yard together. She tended to her yard much as she tended to those she cared for. Often, she expressed how grateful she was for the people and love Gary bought into her life. But mostly, in her later years, she focused on loving her Mother, siblings, and children. She poured all she had into them and healed her heartache as best as she could. Leah is preceded in death by husband, Gary Krueger; parents Burton and Louise Tew; brother Barton Tew; and sister Cynthia Todd. She is survived by sister Patricia (Dan) Potts; brothers David and R. Burton Tew; and children: Toni (Patrick Troumbley) Polich Troumbley; Kevin (Tracey) Pacheco; Andrew Pacheco; Jona Pacheco Tate; and Kellie (Dale) Becraft; grandchildren: Alexandra Tate, Jovanika Leah Polich, Sierra Tate, Daxton Troumbley, Roxie Troumbley, Karlee (Jordan) Peterson, Adam (Alyssa) Becraft, Erin (Shawn) Gudmundson, Austin (Bailey) Becraft, and Cade Becraft; and six great-grandchildren. Leah once picked a beautiful wildflower and showed it to Gary. With tears, she declared it was much like her: it grew in the wild, planted itself in the ground, established roots by soaking in the sunshine and rain. It grew strong and beautiful- thrived in harsh circumstances. Paralleling her life when she started in Real Estate 47 years ago. She was lost in the beauty and sentimentality of this flower. Gary chuckled and said "well it was doing just fine until you pulled it up by the roots, Blondie." They did not see that flower through the same lens. However, they had a rare way of letting each be who they were and elevating one another in pure adoration and love. Leah left little undone or unexperienced. Most of all, she left us certain that she truly looked for-and found-the best in every person and every experience. We are eternally grateful for all of our memories with her. On a final note, in Leah's Gratitude Journal- her final entry finished with the words of one of her favorite songs "What a Wonderful World!" Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, April 11th, from 4:30 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are strongly encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building and plan time for the parking service. ]]></storytext><image><caption><![CDATA[ Leah Ann Krueger ]]></caption><height></height><width></width><photo>https://cache.legacy.com/legacy/images/Cobrands/saltlaketribune/Photos/SLT0037583-1_20260326.jpg</photo></image></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Wendy Larsen ]]></title><storytext><![CDATA[ Wendy June Peart (Larsen) 1958-2026 / In Loving Memory Layton, UT-Wendy June Peart (Larsen), 68 of Layton, Utah, peacefully passed away on March 20, 2026 in Clearfield, Utah. Born on January 9, 1958 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Vaughn and Sandra Peart. Wendy attended Jordan Jr. High School and graduated from Kearns High School in 1976. Wendy grew up with a spirit that was equal parts warmth, humor and heart. Anyone lucky enough to spend time with her quickly discovered that her silly personality and infectious, big, beautiful smile, could brighten even the hardest days. Wendy loved unconditionally. It was that simple and that extraordinary. Whether it was her children, her brother, her grandchildren, extended family, friends or the dogs curled up at her feet, she gave her whole heart without hesitation. She had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved just as they were. Her passions painted a vivid picture of who she was. Wendy could often be found out in the garden with dirt under her nails, or sitting quietly on the porch watching the birds and listening to them sing. She loved camping under open skies, losing herself in a good book, and dancing to a country song whenever the mood struck. Her dogs were her constant companions, and camping buddies who adored her just as much as she adored them. Wendy was preceded in death by her parents, Vaughn and Sandra Peart and her amazing aunt Nancy Cooke. She is survived by her son Zachary Banks; her daughter, Corie Terrell-Spencer (Tyler Spencer); her brother Tyson Peart (Tiffany Peart); her cousin Leslie Coleman (Rodger Coleman), who was more a sister than a cousin and her grandchildren; James Banks, Tyler Banks, Trinitee Belt (Brayden Belt), Hunter Terrell, Logan Spencer, Kaitlynn Spencer and Connor Spencer. There will not be a formal service held. A private family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Wendy's life in the way she would have wanted, surrounded by the people she loved most. Wendy's family takes comfort in knowing that her presence will never truly fade. As the saying goes, "Those we love don't go away, They Walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Watching closely with proudness, love and cheer." "Rest easy, mom. You are finally at peace. The sunflowers will keep blooming, the Aspen trees will keep swaying, the birds will keep singing, the banjo will keep playing and your love will keep holding us together." ]]></storytext><image><caption><![CDATA[ Wendy Larsen ]]></caption><height></height><width></width><photo>https://cache.legacy.com/legacy/images/Cobrands/saltlaketribune/Photos/SLT0037525-1_20260323.jpg</photo></image></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Ruth Ann Lubbers ]]></title><storytext><![CDATA[ Ruth Ann Lubbers 1944-2026 Kalamazoo, MI-Age 81, died on March 19, 2026. Ruth Ann Lubbers was born April 17, 1944 in Patterson, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Phyllis Sytsma. She is survived by her husband Bruce Lubbers; son Mark Lubbers; daughter Sarah (Lubbers) Torrence and son-in-law Phil Torrence of Portage, Michigan; grandchildren: John-Mark Torrence and his fiancée Vanessa Ferreyra, Gracie Torrence, Benjamin Torrence; and her sister Jackie Pruitt (Floyd Pruitt) of Dunwoody, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. A Life Story Service will be held Saturday, May 16, at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan (269) 375-2900. A Reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Celebrate Ruth Ann's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made in Ruth Ann's memory to Animal Rescue Project, www.animalrescueproject.org. ]]></storytext><image><caption><![CDATA[ Ruth Ann Lubbers ]]></caption><height></height><width></width><photo>https://cache.legacy.com/legacy/images/Cobrands/saltlaketribune/Photos/SLT0037536-1_20260323.jpg</photo></image></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Laura Rogers ]]></title><storytext><![CDATA[ Laura Ann Rogers 1962-2026 Holladay, UT-It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Laura Ann Rogers, whose positive spirit and outgoing personality touched countless lives. Laura passed peacefully in her sleep on March 12th 2026 after a courageous decades long battle with health issues related to Diabetes. Laura's passion was writing and she was particularly proud of her many published articles in newsletters and medical publications related to wellness and overcoming the challenges of living with Diabetes. Laura also enjoyed the outdoors and hiking in the mountains of Utah. Laura loved animals and was a wonderful pet parent to numerous dogs throughout her life. But Laura was most happy when she was surrounded by family and friends. Laura is survived by her daughter Ashley Warberg, grandson Christopher Clay, brothers John Rogers and Kenny (Dantha) Rogers, niece Amber (Jeremy) Olivera, nephew Beau Rogers, nieces Elexis and Alexsa Rogers and Lillymae and Loralie Olivera. Laura was preceded in death by her father Keith Rogers, mother Marleen Rogers and her son Ian Warberg. We will hold a celebration of life event for Laura which will be announced in the near future. The family would greatly appreciate any donations to the American Diabetes Association. ]]></storytext><image><caption><![CDATA[ Laura Rogers ]]></caption><height></height><width></width><photo>https://cache.legacy.com/legacy/images/Cobrands/saltlaketribune/Photos/SLT0037521-1_20260323.jpg</photo></image></item><item><title><![CDATA[ Virginia Stirling Wirthlin ]]></title><storytext><![CDATA[ Virginia "Ginny" Stirling Wirthlin 1941 ~ 2026 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Virginia (Ginny) Wirthlin on March 17, 2026. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Ginny's life was a vibrant tapestry of adventure, love, laughter, music, and books. Born on August 11, 1941, in Salt Lake City to Ethel Phillips Stirling and John Dunn Stirling, Ginny possessed both a kind heart and an adventurous soul. She was a member of the very first graduating class of Highland High School and became the first member of her extended family to attend college. While studying at the University of Utah, where she earned a degree in history, Ginny's daring nature was already on display. Before skiing became mainstream, she was on the slopes using wooden skis and leather bindings. In an era when such trips were rare and arduous, she also spent time traveling throughout Europe with a friend. Ginny met Alvin Jacob Wirthlin on a blind date while both attended the U of U. On April 1, 1963, Alvin proposed to which Ginny cheekily responded, "Oh sure! April Fools!" That auspicious start led to a marriage and a family that became the center of her world. While Alvin attended medical school, Ginny worked as an elementary school teacher. The couple lived in California, London, and St. Louis before returning to settle in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together, they raised five children: Jill, Wendy, Karin, Kristy, and Michael. Ginny was a woman of "iron will" who never met an obstacle she couldn't overcome. She co- founded a profitable book fair business with her sister, Marie English. She returned to teaching as a beloved librarian after completing her master's degree in her fifties while continuing to work. Even a decade after her retirement, former colleagues would approach her grandchildren to share how much she was loved. Beyond her career, she was a woman of many talents-she sewed Halloween costumes with aplomb, crafted beautiful quilts, and could sing every silly song ever written (making up the words if she forgot them). In her later years, though dementia took much from her, it could not rob her of her loving heart or her joy in playing with her 10 grandchildren. She continued to touch everyone she met with her feisty nature and her sense of humor until the very end. The family wishes to thank The Ridge Cottonwood for their excellent care during Ginny's last few months. Ginny is survived by a large family who will miss her every day. She leaves behind a legacy of "making everyone she loved feel extraordinary". A Celebration of Life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor (3651 S 900 E) in Salt Lake City on Wednesday March 25 from 6:00  8:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to park and enter on the north side of the building. The burial and graveside service will take place on March 26 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at 11:00 AM ]]></storytext><image><caption><![CDATA[ Virginia Stirling Wirthlin ]]></caption><height></height><width></width><photo>https://cache.legacy.com/legacy/images/Cobrands/saltlaketribune/Photos/SLT0037530-1_20260323.jpg</photo></image></item></channel>