My name is Erin DeeAnne Hurst and I’m writing my own obituary. I want people to understand that cancer may have taken my body but it hasn’t and never will take my spirit. I would like to tell you about my life from my perspective.

I was born on July 16, 1998 in Price, Utah to Frank and Tara Hurst (Two of the greatest people ever). I am the oldest of four girls and man did we have fun together growing up, my poor dad. I was honored to be the oldest sibling and to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with them. I want everyone to know that I truly believe I had the perfect family for me.

From the time I could walk, I was out on the farm with my grandpa Sherrel. I grew to love the outdoors and animals and continued to love those things throughout my life. Some of my most treasured memories in life came from time spent with family on cattle drives. I hated tending water with a passion, but if it had anything to do with riding a horse I was there.

I also have had a love for sports from a young age (shocker, I know). In high school I knew I wanted to play basketball, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to run cross country or play volleyball my freshman year. Thank goodness I chose to run. Cross country and track took me to Dixie State University where I was able to continue running and finish my education. Most importantly, it brought me some of my most valuable friendships, along with lifelong friendships that I still had from high school. My friends truly have been my second family throughout my life.

After two years at DSU I was diagnosed with cancer. I took two years off school to fight this awful disease. Thankfully, I was in remission from May of 2020 – October of 2023. During those 3 ½ years I was able go back to school and finished my degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant and start working. Most importantly, I was able to make so many special memories with family and friends. During my time in remission, I had learned the significance of living every moment to the fullest. I was blessed to make even more friends during this time. I know God had his hand in all the details of my life, especially the people I crossed paths with.

Throughout my life I have always tried to make people laugh and smile. If I teased you, it was because I loved you. I made light of serious situations, probably too often, but that is who I am. I loved dancing like a fool and singing at the top of my lungs, even if it looked and sounded awful. I hope if anyone learned anything from me in this life it was to not take it too seriously. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Stop worrying what someone might think of you and just LIVE!

I am a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My faith is everything to me. I tried my best throughout my life to emulate Christlike attributes. I’m far, like way far, from perfect. My family and friends can tell you that, but I know when you are kind, have charity, and Christ-like attributes, life is better. Living like Christ brought me so much JOY! Yes, it even brought joy through cancer. I truly believe that I will see you all again and I believe that because of Jesus Christ we can be resurrected and return to live with Him and our loving Heavenly Father again someday. I hope you all can feel some of the peace that I have felt, for the last few months of my life, as you read this.

I am survived by my wonderful parents, Frank and Tara Hurst; sisters and brother-in-law, Katelyn and Wyatt Magnuson, Addie Hurst, and Carlie Hurst; grandparents, Sherrel and DeeAnne Ward, Toni Hurst, and Loretta Larsen.

I’m preceded in death and very excited to see my brothers, Joshua and Jordan Hurst; grandfathers, Michael Hurst, and Delyle Larsen; cousins, Heather and Broc Jacobson, Darrell Gardner; along with many other great-grandparents and family members.

I would like to give a thanks to all those who cared for me at Huntsman Cancer Institute and Primary Children’s Hospital, especially the sarcoma teams. I also would like to thank all my family, friends, and community members for all the love and support throughout the last 5 ½ years. I would not have made it this far without all these people. The last 5 ½ years have been a gift and that is because of you.

Love, Erin.

Erin’s funeral service will be Saturday, January 4, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at the Huntington Stake Center (240 North Main Street) in Huntington. Family will receive friends at the church Friday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to service.  Burial will be in the Cleveland Town Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Huntington and Price where friends are always welcome daily and are encouraged to share memories of Erin online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net