Amy Harrison Derr

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Amy Helen Harrison Derr, 81, passed away peacefully in her home in Logan, Utah, on Sunday, September 21, with her husband, Otto, by her side. After 19 years of living with dementia, she has finally been released of this debilitating disease.

Amy was born in Afton, Wyoming on August 1, 1944, to Thede and Helen Harrison. She was the first of fourteen children in the family: Amy, Max, Linda, Richard, Peggy, Dana, Susan, Kevin, Mark, Colin, Kim, Roseanne, Rex, Wade.

At the age of five, Amy moved with her family to Logan, Utah. She graduated from Logan High School in 1962 in the top 10% of her class. She received a one year scholarship to Utah State University, where she attended for one year. She graduated from Seminary.

June 12, 1963, Amy married Otto Derr in the Logan Temple. They are the loving and devoted parents of seven children: Chris, Eric, Robyn, Kirk, Audrey, Nathan, and Nolan. They lived in Logan their entire married lives.

Music was always important to Amy. She enjoyed playing the violin, teaching violin lessons, singing in quartets, teaching music to Primary children, and teaching music to her children, especially the Primary songs.

She worked several jobs throughout her life: selling Avon, working as a lunch lady at Wilson Elementary, and babysitting children.

Her main hobbies were sewing, cooking, and reading, when she found the time. She sewed almost all of her own clothes from the age of twelve. Quilting, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery were some of her favorite things to do. She enjoyed putting together extensive scrapbooks for each of her children, for herself and Otto, as well as for each family trip taken.

But her true joy and devotion was to her family by making homemade meals, baking, canning bottles of vegetables and fruits, sewing and mending clothes, supporting her children in their hobbies and sports, devoting hours to help in the classroom, and nursing her children back to health. Amy’s hands were always busy. She said that she was never happier than when she had a baby in her arms.

Christmas was her favorite holiday. She worked tirelessly through the month of December decorating, cooking, shopping, and making gifts and candy. She made it a magical time for her family!

Mom showed and taught her family not just by words, but by her actions. Her journey in life was a life filled with faith. Prayer was a lifeline for her. She had a deep love and respect for Heavenly Father and her Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved to serve others, taking many meals to others in need.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she held many positions, working with boys in the scouting program, Primary, Relief Society and missionary work.

Amy was passionate and persistent in doing family history. Many hours were spent in the Family History Library, both in Logan and in Salt Lake City. She had a strong desire to bless those on the other side of the veil.

Amy and Otto enjoyed riding in many parades and going on car trips in Otto's old restored cars.

They served a mission to the Kirtland, Ohio Historical Sites from April 2005 to October 2006. They served 13 of the 18 months at the John Johnson Farm where they were blessed to feel the holiness of this place and testify to those coming there of the truthfulness of the gospel.

She is survived by her devoted and caring husband of 62 years, Otto E. Derr; her children, Chris (Krista), Logan; Eric (Lori) Hyrum; Robyn (Bryan) Earl, Hyde Park; Kirk (Melanie), Kaysville; Audrey (Brent) Buhler, Herriman; Nathan (Tiffany), Logan; Nolan (Emily), North Logan; 26 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Siblings: Max T (Miriam); Linda Calvin; Richard (Young Mi); Susan (Dan) Waters; Kevin (Carol); Mark (Deb); Colin (Bonnie); Kim (Charlene); Rex; Wade (Joni).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thede and Helen Harrison; her brother, Dana; and sisters Peggy Hyer (Max); Roseanne James (Tony); and grandchildren Kyle and Konner Buhler.

The family extends a sincere thank you to the Sunshine Hospice Team, who, through the past 10 years, have treated mom as the special, beautiful person she is, and for the care and concern also shown to Dad.

The funeral is Friday, October 17, at noon at the Central Park Ward Chapel, 600 South 100 West, Logan. A viewing, at the same location, is that morning from 10:30-11:30. The service is livestreamed and accessed at the address below.

https://zoom.us/j/99960848500?pwd=FHeT240DfQ8eELafclM3sdRVVkpEyc.1

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.