Courtney Ewles
Salina, Utah
Courtney Soren Ewles passed from this life early on the morning of April 24, 2023 at his home in Salina. He was born on September 22,1938 in Salina to Blaine and Ruth Ardean Sorensen Ewles. He was the third of five children. He lived the majority of his life as a resident of Salina.
Courtney had a fun and adventurous childhood growing up in Salina. He loved hunting and fishing with his brothers who were his best friends. He graduated from North Sevier High School with the class of 1956.
After graduation Courtney enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country with the 82nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron as the crew chief from 1957-61.
After his military service he went on to start his own electrical company, Ewles Electric. His electrical experience started while working at Sorensen’s Electric in Salina. He then went to work for Georgia Pacific as their head electrician. He started Ewles Electric in 1968 and incorporated with Ronald Turner, Doug Harward and Kent Mellor in 1973. Courtney was a very successful businessman throughout the state. His company completed electrical work on many major businesses across the Wasatch front as well as most schools and churches throughout Sanpete and Sevier counties. Ewles Electric operated for 35 years until Courtney’s retirement. Courtney and Sherry bought the old Salina Hotel on State Street in 1969. In 1972, along with his brother, John and Lola Ewles, they remodeled the old hotel into a restaurant and began construction on one of Salina’s finest hotels, The Best Western Branding Iron Inn and Restaurant. It ran under their care for many years.
Courtney met the love of his life in the early 60’s at what must have been the most popular teenage hangout, the Richfield bowling alley. Sherry Ruth Peterson caught his eye and they became eternal sweethearts. After dating and becoming acquainted they were married on July 6, 1962 by Bishop Hart Gardner in Richfield. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple on June 6, 1964.
Courtney and Sherry became the proud parents of two sons, Kirtley Blaine and Kasey Bud Ewles. Their life was drastically changed after Kirtley, and later Kasey were both diagnosed with hemophilia. Kirtley and Kasey were the light of their parents’ lives. Many happy memories were made as they grew up despite their health limitations. They were a happy family and enjoyed many adventures across the western United States and Hawaii. Courtney is preceded in death by both of his sons.
Courtney enjoyed many different hobbies. He was an avid reader and loved working with wood. He was a great handyman and gardener. He loved spending time in the mountains hunting and fishing with family and friends. The annual deer hunting trip with his brothers and their sons was the highlight of the year.. He loved volunteering his time by giving tours at the Salina CC Camp. He had a great love of history and was a faithful member of the American Legion. He was honored to be able to participate in the Utah Honor Flight accompanied by his best friend Lowell Draper and nephew, Michael Turner. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Courtney is survived by his beloved wife Sherry; and sister-in-law, Moni Lee Peterson, Richfield; along with many loving nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and sons, Kirtley and Kasey Ewles; parents-in-law, Bud and Ruth Miller. He is also preceded in death by all of his siblings: Beverly Turner, John Ewles, Carol Woolsey and Lloyd Ewles.
Graveside services will be held Friday, April 28, 2023 at 12:00 Noon in the Salina Eastside Cemetery with military honors by the Salina American Legion Post #36 and the Hill Air Force Base Honor Guard. Friends may call at the Salina 1st Ward Chapel for visitation from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com
