Verl Winters

Verl Belden Winters passed away in his home in South Jordan, Utah on August 16, 2025, at the age of 69.

Born on October 1, 1955, to Jack and Verla Winters, Verl was raised in Murray, Utah alongside his three siblings: Jackie, Joel, and Lesa. He graduated from Murray High School in 1974, where he was a proud athlete, competing in football, wrestling, and track.

In his early adult years, Verl ran a cabinetry business with his father, which ignited a lifelong passion for woodworking. He was a master craftsman who could build just about anything, from fine cabinetry to handcrafted puzzles, bowls, and even trees turned on a lathe. He took pride in the quality of his work and generously shared his skills with others, often lending a hand on home projects or teaching others what he knew.

Verl worked for REI for many years, a job that aligned with his deep love of the outdoors. His time with the company took him and his family from Utah to Oregon, where they spent many years. Verl loved hiking, camping, and fishing, and those passions made him a natural fit for the Scouting program in his church, where he spent countless hours mentoring youth.

Verl married Sharlene and together they raised three children: Kole, Crystal, and Trent. Though Verl and Sharlene later divorced, they shared 38 years of life and family together.

Later in life, Verl reconnected with Christine Probert (“Chris”), a childhood friend. Their rekindled friendship blossomed into love, and ultimately a marriage that was a source of joy and companionship for Verl. Chris, her children, and grandchildren welcomed Verl into their family with open arms and he did the same, creating relationships full of love, laughter, and time spent together.

Verl was witty, intelligent, generous, stubborn, and deeply complex. He struggled with depression for most of his life. A quiet, persistent battle that affected many of his relationships and often kept him from being as present as he wanted to be. He was never able to fully put down the heavy load he carried, and he carried it to the end. That took an immeasurable strength, a strength that he drew on throughout his life. While his struggle caused pain and distance at times, especially within his family, it does not erase the love he had or the good he did. Verl loved Chris, his children and grandchildren deeply, and they loved him in return.

Verl was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Verla Winters, and his brother-in-law, Randy.

He is survived by his children: Kole (with Dorothy, his former wife), Crystal (Justin), and Trent (Rachel); his wife Chris (Probert Young) and her family Chad (Sunnie), Wendy (Peter), and Will (Dane), who welcomed him with open arms; his siblings: Jackie, Joel (Julie), and Lesa (Tom); and by his beloved grandchildren: Ava, Jane, Jade, Luna, Claire, Charlie, Owen, Olive, Cora, Dylan, CJ, and Leora. He is also lovingly remembered by his extended family.

If Verl’s life reminds us of anything, it is that we never truly know the full weight someone carries. If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at 3407 West 9625 South, South Jordan, Utah 84095. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. at the same location. All who knew and loved Verl are welcome to attend. The service will be available to view via livestream at www.jenkins-soffe.com.