Emily Sue Schurz Novinger

Pharmacy technician, 9-1-1 operator, B&B manager, travel agent, realtor, telephone psychic… these are just a few of the many jobs Emily Novinger tried over the years. Although she did well with everything she tried, her endless curiosity and quest for the next interesting thing led her to continually explore new careers. But her most long-term positions – daughter, sister, wife, and mother – were the ones she always did best.

Emily Sue Novinger was born on June 29, 1978, to Donald and Karen Schurz in Vernal, Utah. She died on April 28, 2025, in Temple, Texas.

Emily was one of 6 children and liked to joke about being a “forgotten middle child,” but in truth, Emily was unforgettable. She was a talented cake decorator who created memorable and award-winning showpieces for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and other celebrations. She had a beautiful singing voice and was able to perform with several show choirs, including a choir that sang at LDS General Conference. She was so smart that she excelled at every career she tried. Her goofy sense of humor made people laugh and have fun just being around her.

After Emily graduated from Uintah High School in 1996, she continued to Utah State University to complete a degree in vocal performance.

In March of 1999, she married her sweetheart, Tim Novinger. They welcomed their adored sons, Jonah in 2000 and Liam in 2002. In 2013, their daughter Aria was a last wonderful addition to the family.

Emily and Tim moved around during their time together, living in Vernal, Roosevelt, Denver, and several cities in the Salt Lake City area over the years. In 2024, they relocated to Temple, Texas for Tim’s work. Through all the changes, Emily held everything together, supporting and loving her children and managing their family life while working at her own jobs as well. She was a devoted, loving, and beloved mother and wife.

Emily is survived by her children, Jonah, Liam, and Aria Novinger; her husband of 26 years, Timothy Novinger; her parents, Donald and Karen Schurz; and her siblings, Tara (Aaron) Shields, Brian (Michelle) Schurz, Kevin (Amanda) Schurz, Dustin (Sarah) Schurz, and Melissa (Brian) Howell. They will all miss her with all their hearts.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 9, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and on Saturday, May 10, from 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. at the Glines 1st Ward chapel (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1500 W Hwy 40, Vernal, Utah).

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1500 W Hwy 40, Vernal, Utah.

Burial in the Maeser Fairview Cemetery.