Beverly June Weems

Our mother, grandmother and friend passed away on May 11th from natural causes in the care of the nurses at St. Mark's Hospital.

June was born in Liberal, Kansas during the depression to Frank and Dorothy Arbuthnot. Like so many parents faced with those circumstances they chose to venture west in search of a better life for their family. After trying their luck in California the Arbuthnot family settled in Lafayette, Colorado where June spent most of her formative years.

Intelligent, driven and forever compassionate, mom enrolled in the University of Denver's nursing program and received her BS in Nursing in 1958. It was through nursing that she met the love of her life William (Bill) Weems who was completing an internship in the same hospital where mom worked. They were married in Denver in 1961 and after 2 years in New Orleans and 3 years in Germany settled permanently in Utah where they created a home and raised their 3 children (Stephanie, Michael and Cheryl). Mom was the glue that held our family together and was right at home whether camping for days in the desert or hosting a dinner party. An amazing cook, she had an unwavering commitment to sit down family dinners including dessert, as long as you finished all of your meal. Among her many talents Mom loved camping, hiking, tennis, golf, bridge, skiing and raising bulldogs….lots of bulldogs. June was also an accomplished gardener with skills ranging from a fantastic rose garden to a xeriscape yard that was once featured in the SL Tribune. She also devoted countless volunteer hours to the SL Junior League, Utah Alzheimer's Association and local hospitals making sure that her nursing skills could continue to help others. With her modest beginnings mom was always intensely grateful for everything she had, a lesson she passed along to her children and grandchildren. Bill and June remained married for 45 years when Bill's untimely passing broke their bond of marriage but not their bond of love. June continued on without Bill by gardening, taking care of her dogs and occasionally traveling. When the effects of age began to make her beloved independence difficult she "retired" to the Wellington Assisted Living community with her dog Polly. The family would like to express its sincere appreciation for the incredible care, dignity and respect that they gave our mom over the past 2 years. You could not have made her transition any easier.

June touched many people from all walks of life and we would like to thank you all for being a part of her wonderful life, she truly cherished all of you and the bonds you shared.

June is survived by her children Steph (Laurie), Mike (Koko); grandchildren Connor and Bailey; and her dog Polly. She is preceded in death by her husband Bill and daughter Cheryl who she is happily together with again.

A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, May 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider making a donation to the Utah Alzheimer's Association.