Elizabeth Ann Thomas was born the first of four daughters to Thomas W Thomas and Hulda Jennette Crane of Circleville, UT, on 22 June 1935 in Provo, UT, at the Crane Maternity Home which was operated by her maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Ann Stevens. Ann passed away peacefully in her home in Cedar City, UT, on 20 February 2025 at the age of 89.
Ann’s earliest memories were of learning to read on her Daddy’s lap and doing chores alongside her sisters Ruth, Natasha, and later Shani. Her love of reading and being a hard worker were part of her until she died, despite failing eyesight and debilitating arthritis in her later years. Her sisters were her best friends.
She had an appreciation for all things beautiful – the perfect birthday card, blooming flowers, classical music, or freshly baked brownies. She was an accomplished singer, baker, and quilter. Most of all, Ann loved people. She found joy in visiting with, meeting, and serving others. She belonged to too many organizations to name, but always spoke fondly of her time ushering for Utah Shakespearean Festival and serving alongside the women of the DUP, New Harmony Camp.
Ann earned a degree in education and spent many years substitute teaching at Cedar High School. She was always thrilled to recognize a former student, and never lost the zeal to learn herself.
Anybody who met Ann will remember her characteristic smile and the twinkle in her eye that made you feel like you were the center of the world. She had a knack for making people feel special, and will forever be cherished by those who knew her.
After graduating from Piute High School, Ann began the nursing program at BYU; however, illness forced her to leave school. She worked the following summer in the lodge at Zion National Park, where she met the cutest girls from Cedar City who convinced her to attend College of Southern Utah, now Southern Utah University, where she met O’Leary “Larry” Jared Jones. They were married in the St. George, UT, temple on 27 August 1955. They made their home in Cedar City where they ran sheep and raised their five children.
Following Larry’s passing from Parkinson’s Disease, Ann reunited with her high school sweetheart, George Cherrington, and they married on 8 May 2004. Together they served several missions in the Mesa Arizona Humanitarian Center and the Mesa temple. They enjoyed nearly 20 beautiful years together until George passed away last spring. Ann missed him terribly.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, both husbands, daughter Elyce Schmutz (Brad), son-in-law Craig Cherrington, daughter-in-law Merilee Jones (Zane), granddaughter Charla Cherrington, and grandson-in-law Zeke Colburn.
She is survived by her children, Rebecca Orton (Kevin), Cedar City, UT; Selene Corbridge (Kevin), Cedar City, UT; Zane (Michelle), Cedar City, UT; Burke (Janette), Cedar City, UT; Kelly Anderson (Clayton), Lehi, UT; Amy Hone (Kent), American Fork, UT; son-in-law Brad Schmutz (Darla), New Harmony, UT; and daughter-in-law Charlotte Cherrington, Draper, UT, along with 31 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, and beloved cat companion Precious. They will miss her hilarious sayings and comical expressions, and are grateful she can see again, hear again, and move again.
A viewing will be held Thursday, February 27 at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N 300 W, Cedar City, UT, 84720) from 6 to 8 pm. There will be another viewing, the morning of Friday, February 28 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse (800 S Laurie Ln, Cedar City, UT 84720). Services celebrating her life will follow at 11 am. Ann will then be interred at the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Livestream of service can be seen and online condolences can be sent at www.mortuary.org.