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Kent and Sherri Winder, owners of Winder Farms and parents of West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder, were in a fatal traffic crash Sunday in Washington County.
Sherri Winder, 57, died in the crash; Kent Winder, 62, was injured, troopers said.
Kent Winder was driving a 2009 Toyota Corolla south on Interstate 15 at 6:15 p.m. about 20 miles north of St. George, when the car rolled off the roadway, said Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Amy Fallows.
Heavy rains were falling and may have contributed to the crash, Fallows said.
Mike Winder described Sherri Winder as "the best mom anyone could ever have and so supportive of her kids and their endeavors."
"She cheered on each of her kids as they pursued their dreams and overcame their challenges," he said.
Mike Winder said his father's injuries were not life-threatening. His father may be discharged from a hospital Monday, he said.
As co-owners of Winder Farms, Kent and Sherri Winder, of West Valley City, oversaw its expansion into Nevada and initiated deliveries in southern Utah, according to information on the company's website, winderdairy.com.
Their family has long been visible in politics. Sherri Winder was U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz' office manager in West Jordan. Kent Winder served on Taylorsville's first City Council, was chairman of Chamber West Chamber of Commerce and is a Granger-Hunter Improvement District trustee. He is vice president for customer service for Winder Farms.
Mike Winder has been mayor of West Valley City since 2010. His sister, Aimee Newton, is Taylorsville's first director of marketing and communications. The Winders' other children are Tami Larsen, of West Jordan; Nathan Winder of Munich, Germany; and Isaac Winder, of South Jordan.
Chaffetz said Monday that his office is stunned by the "devastating loss."
"Sherri made an immediate, profound impact on our office and each of us is deeply affected by her loss," he said in a written statement. "Sherri was perpetually positive and instantly brought a smile to all those she came in contact with. Her love of life and sincere caring was contagious and welcomed by all."
Winder leaves behind a legacy of service, Chaffetz said.
"Sherri was involved in politics for all the right reasons," he said. "She simply wanted to help people and strengthen our community."
Sherri Winder would have turned 58 Sept. 17. Her family held an early birthday party for her last Friday.