Sharon Davis Tavey

Our beautiful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away on January 17^th surrounded by her family after a courageous 9-day battle. She was 84.

Born on September 9, 1941, the beloved youngest child of Joshua and Loveda Davis. She grew up on Hollywood Avenue in Sugarhouse, where she was doted on and adored by her two older brothers, Don and Jim. Affectionately known as “Dolly”, she attended neighborhood schools and became a student leader and cheerleader at South High where she drove a yellow Dodge convertible that was as big and beautiful as her smile. She went on to attend the University of Utah and built a long, varied work life she was proud of. She held roles that ranged from being a receptionist to running a construction company, and ultimately found her place as a test proctor, where she took great pride in helping people earn their professional licenses until her retirement.

Shari was married to Steve Elwell and then Hal Tavey where she became the proud mother of Heidi, Jeff and Brad. Her 5 grandchildren, Taylor, Riley, Jake, Sophie and Sam were the absolute loves of her life, and she was eagerly awaiting the birth of her first great-grandchild in a few short weeks.

Shari loved being outdoors, especially boating, camping, and spending long summer days with people she cared about. She enjoyed hosting backyard pool parties with neighbors, that eventually became her lifelong friends. Saturday nights were family time dedicated to watching The Love Boat and Fantasy Island with a pot of fondue. She also treasured the chance to travel with her family whenever her health allowed, with memories of Mexico, Hawaii, and time at the cabin becoming some of her favorites. She spent years in bleachers and auditoriums, watching cheer and dance performances and supporting her family through hockey, football, baseball, softball and basketball seasons. These are the moments with her that we will always cherish.

Shari was small in stature but mighty in spirit, she met every health battle with the quiet courage of a true warrior. A two-time breast cancer survivor who also endured significant hip and shoulder surgeries. She faced each challenge with the same determined strength that defined her life. There isn’t one word that could ever capture Shari. She was funny, stubborn, clever, nostalgic and generous. Those who loved her will remember her resilience, sweetness and unmistakable light she carried with her, even on her hardest days.

She leaves behind her heartbroken family; children Heidi (Mike) Richmond, Jeff (Angela) Elwell, Brad Tavey and grandchildren Taylor (Graham), Riley, Sophie, Jake and Sam. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joshua and Loveda, brothers Jim and Don, special sister-in-law Jan, husbands Steve and Hal and parents-in-law Bud and Venita Elwell and Reed and Beulah Tavey.

Her family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Marks Hospital for their attentive and compassionate care of Shari during her last days. We would also like to thank Alma and Karen Hansen for the kindness and love they showed Shari in her life and especially on her final day here on earth. We will never forget your willingness to bring her comfort when she most needed it.

Please join us for a Celebration of Shari’s extraordinary life on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East Salt Lake City, UT 84106 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  Guests are encouraged to park and enter on the north side of the building. Internment will be the following day, Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Murray City Cemetery, 490 S Vine St, Murray, UT 84107, at 12:00 pm.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com.