We lost our beloved Lisa Thurman on December 22, 2024, just one day shy of her 65th birthday: December 23, 1959. Cancer is such a thief; it robs us of our joy and possibilities, replacing them with pain, fear and profound loss.

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Lisa possessed an indomitable spirit, one that gave her immense strength. She fought valiantly until the very end. Her dedication was evident in her 40 years with Life Flight at IHC in Utah, 45 years of marriage to William Thurman and her unwavering love for her children, Amanda Cruz and Chris Thurman. Through every good and challenging moment, she remained committed to her family and work, ensuring her family were nourished with a homemade meal each night, and advocating tirelessly for her team.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”

She found immense joy in the travels with her sister, Julie Hitt – journeys to the California Redwoods, Santa Fe, Italy, Croatia and beyond. Lisa’s love for her sister was profound, and she found comfort in their shared experiences and heartfelt conversations.

Though a private person who approached life with sincerity, Lisa had a heart open to understanding and loving those she met. She treasured her friendships with Lisa Burnett and Robin Campbell.

As our family grew, so did her capacity for love. She embraced her two sons-in-law Johnny Cruz and Jake Findlay, welcoming them into her heart and sharing her passion for cooking, celebrating the Cub’s World Series win, and playing board games together.

Now, we take solace in knowing she is at peace, reunited with her parents, Robert and Leona Smith. We love her, miss her, and will cherish her memory each and every day. Lisa’s spirit will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.