Kerri Torres

Kerri Lynette Ryan Torres, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away the morning of July 19, 2025. She will be remembered for her quick wit, fast temper, strong opinions, and limitless love for her family.

Born in Texarkana, Arkansas, on July 25, 1950, Kerri was the second child of Betty and Arthur Ryan. Being an Army brat, she moved often in her childhood, attending schools all over the world, even having her high school prom under the Eiffel Tower. She settled in Oklahoma in 1968, where she went to college and married John Pickett (later divorced). They had two children, Heather and Josh. She married the love of her life Leslie Torres in Dallas, Texas, in 1978. A year later, they moved to Ogden, Utah, where they spent the rest of their lives together, sharing 47 years of marriage and adding three children to their family, Jennifer, Trevor, and George. Kerri was also a mother to her granddaughter, Sabrina, whom she raised from the age of two months.

Kerri began a career with the Internal Revenue Service in 1984 where she made many lifelong friends, serving formally as lead mail clerk and informally as “work mom.” After retiring in 2007, she cared for her grandchildren, driving them to and from school, sporting events, and dance practice—and being their number one cheerleader, as she had been for her own children.

A woman of numerous passions, Kerri was a tomboy who loved to cook, bake, garden, craft, and crochet (often barefoot). She enjoyed sharing her talents with her children and grandchildren, memories they will always cherish. She had an insatiable sweet tooth, with her favorites being Texas sheet cake and éclairs. She would often be found crunching on Cheetos or nugget ice. She never missed an opportunity to prepare a hot meal for her family every night. Even after they were grown, her children could show up for dinner anytime, unannounced but always welcome.

Over the last few years, as Kerri’s go-go-go energy began to slow, her curiosity sure didn’t. She still needed to know what everyone was up to, and if she didn’t know, she would ask (or she would find out another way, usually through her police scanner). She would call family if she heard sirens nearby just to say, “That better not be one of you.” She loved being surrounded by her people, listening in on conversations and somehow remembering every little detail so she could surprise you later with something thoughtful or funny—or both. She cared deeply and always had a way of checking in that made you feel known and loved.

Kerri is survived by her husband Leslie; daughters Heather Pickett and Jennifer Egbert (Brandon); sons Trevor Torres (Kaylie) and George Torres (Steven Clark); and grandchildren Sabrina Wright (Dallan), Chloe Egbert, Megan Egbert, Trystan Egbert, Kayona Torres, Juniper Torres, and Leslie Torres. Though not all are listed, Kerri held each of her grandchildren close to her heart. She was also “dog mommy” to many pets, most recently Tia.

Kerri was preceded in death by her parents Betty and Aurthur, in-laws Charlene and Norman Harwood, brother-in-law Willie Harwood, and son Josh Pickett.

Kerri was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Kerri’s life will be held for immediate family. To join us in remembering her, we hope you’ll play a game of Candy Crush, have some Cheetos, and most importantly, enjoy your time with your loved ones.