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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah state legislator LaWanna "Lou" Shurtliff has died at age 85 after being hospitalized since Dec. 9, officials said Wednesday.
Rep. Patrice Arent posted a statement on Twitter regarding the Democratic House representative's passing. "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my dear friend Rep Lou Shurtliff. She was a truly effective legislator who worked so hard to represent her constituents. She was respected by people on both sides of the aisle. She was also an extraordinary teacher."
Gov. Gary Herbert extended his sympathies on Twitter to Shurtliff's loved ones, recalling that she was a "wonderful teacher and public servant."
Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, the governor-elect, also commented on Shurtliff's passing, tweeting that she "was beloved by all who knew and worked with her."
This is the saddest of news. Rep. Shurtliff was beloved by all who knew and worked with her. She will be terribly missed. Our hearts go out to her family at this difficult time. https://t.co/m1ws9WxANT
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) December 31, 2020
Shurtliff was hospitalized in Ogden in McKay-Dee Hospital's intensive care unit for breathing problems on Dec. 9 but tested negative for COVID-19. Shurtliff was diagnosed with pneumonia, according to a statement by the Utah House Democratic Caucus.
At the time of her hospitalization, Shurtliff's family issued a statement saying that she was stable but still required the support of mechanical ventilation.
"Although they have not identified the cause of the pneumonia or her illness, we are thrilled that she is doing so well and are hopeful about her ongoing recovery," her family said in a statement on Dec. 10. "Lou continues to fight this illness with the same tenacity she uses to fight for her family and community."
Shurtliff was a retired teacher who served in Utah's House District 10. She served as a representative from 1999-2008 before winning another term beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
