Sharla McCleary

Sharla Fairbourne McCleary passed away on November 17, 2024, peacefully in South Jordan, Utah surrounded by her family. Years prior to her death, she wrote the following obituary:

I was born September 24, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah, coming into the world at just under 3 pounds. I was a spunky baby and cried continually. My Mom was Ferne Pearce Fairbourne and my Dad was George Eldon Fairbourne. They raised me with love for the Lord, Jesus Christ. They also helped me develop a love for music. My mother said, "I came singing in the cradle." My family is musically inclined. We loved to sing. My sister Julynne Petersen is very talented on the piano and organ. 

When I was young, I fell in love with nature and animals and I spent my days on my horse, "Pal". I loved the wind in my hair and going like lightning! When I was three years old, I started singing in public. I was honored to sing I Am a Child of God for many years to large congregations, being the first to introduce it to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 8, during a church-wide children's conference in 1957.

I loved singing in musicals at Granger High School and as a soloist in Granite Youth Symphony and with the Utah Symphony, as winner of the Salute to Youth competition. 

My favorite opera to perform is Madame Butterfly by Puccini. I studied during my high school years at Westminster College, followed by 4 years of study at the University of Utah under the instruction of Betty Jean Chipman.

I enjoyed teaching voice lessons to many talented students for 25 years. My students were my friends. I have a great love for classical music, sacred music, and good old 'toe tapping' music!

I married my first and only love and best friend, Jay Kent McCleary. It was love at first sight. We were married on June 16, 1966, and later sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. I want to thank my family for a wonderful life of fun, snow skiing, golfing, hunting, and water skiing at Flaming Gorge. Kent taught me the rules of sports so I could enjoy my children's athletic events. 

We have three wonderful children -- Brett McCleary (Lisa), Collyn McCleary (Lisa), and Tiffany Sedgley (Alan). Ten beautiful grandchildren -- Jaycie, Landon (Montana), Riley (Amanda), Brennan, Trevor (Hannah), Morgan, AJay, Jared, Cole, and McKenzie, and three great-grandchildren -- Presley, Payson, and Jay.

I would like to thank those who have influenced my life for good and helped me to grow my testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am a faithful member of His church and have held many callings. I have shared my talents through music callings, served in youth, primary, and ward and stake Relief Society Presidencies and enjoyed them all! I have a wonderful family and friends that have been by my side for many years. Thank you, my beloved Kent for giving up your life to take care of me and now I, with you, am Flying Free! 

 With Love, Sharla

Sharla was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ferne Fairbourne, and her Husband, Jay Kent McCleary.

Sharla was a great mother who loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was an amazing example to all who knew her and was quick to extend a loving hand and heart to everyone she met.

Thank you for being the best Mom, Wife, Grandma, champion, and friend to us all! We will miss you more than words can describe -- We love you!

The family would like to thank Copper Creek Memory care of South Jordan and Ovation Hospice for all of the love, service, and care they provided for Sharla. 

All services will be held at the LDS Church Building located at 8435 South 2700 West in West Jordan, Utah. Viewings will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday November 23, 2024, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy immediately following the funeral service. Flowers may be sent to McDougal Funeral Home in Taylorsville.

 For those unable to attend the services, please click on the zoom link listed here to view the service remotely:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/deseretnews/name/sharla-mccleary-obituary?id=56815253