Sherri Winder honored at Taylorsville banquet

TAYLORSVILLE — Sherri Winder was posthumously honored Friday for her efforts in helping Taylorsville become a city.

Winder, the mother of West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder and Taylorsville spokeswoman Aimee Winder Newton, was announced as the winner of the Legacy Award during Taylorsville's annual awards banquet.

In 1994, the communities of Taylorsville and Bennion began the process of becoming a city. Winder was involved from the beginning and later became co-chairwoman of the incorporation committee.

Winder created districts throughout the potential city, appointed district captains to spread the word and marshaled volunteers to get the necessary petitions signed to place the question on the ballot.

She also worked to educate voters on what becoming a city would mean by making flyers, meeting with hundreds in their homes and stepping outside her comfort zone to talk to the media.

Winder's hard work is credited with helping the incorporation of Taylorsville-Bennion pass with 70 percent of the vote.

"The ability Sherri possessed to bring people together and work toward a common goal made her efforts invaluable and outcomes which were always positive," said Bruce Wasden, then chairman of the Taylorsville-Bennion Community Council said.

In September, Winder, 58, was killed in an automobile accident. Mike Winder, Newton and siblings Tami Larsen and Isaac Winder accepted the award on her behalf.

Others honored during the ceremony at Salt Lake Community College's Taylorsville campus included Senate President Michael Waddoups, Meritorious Service to the Community as a Legislator; Officers Grayson Van Leeuwen and Shannon Bennett, Meritorious Service in the Line of Duty; Michael Gull and Marlene Bolt, Meritorious Action by a Citizen; Walmart, Outstanding Business Contribution; Lee Yates and Roger Barker, Outstanding Community Service as a Volunteer; U.S. Marshals Service Joint Criminal Apprehension Team, Outstanding Service Provider; Brian Gale, Outstanding Service to the City; Jean Gallegos and Penny Knight, Special Recognition for Exemplary Work; Mark McGrath, Supervisor of the Year; Troy Martinez, Police Officer of the Year; and Lisa Schwartz, Employee of the Year.

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