Carolyn Sue Shields

Carolyn Sue Shields, age 88, passed away peacefully April 6, 2025. She was born April 1, 1937 to Harvey E. and Mildred Shields Gibbons. Sue grew up in Draper with her older brother Ralph (deceased). Sue married the love of her life, Desmond Leonard Shields, on December 26, 1978. Des passed away June 27, 1998. Sue met Franklin (Frank) Turner and they were partners for many years. Frank passed away in 2020.

From a young age, Sue’s mother instilled within her a great love of music. Sue played the piano beautifully. Music also brought her to the love of ballet dancing. As an adult, she sang in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with her parents. Sue was a lifelong animal lover. She had many beloved cats, dogs and horses over the years.

She graduated from Jordan High School and from the University of Utah. She taught 4th grade at Bella Vista Elementary for 35 years, blessing the lives of hundreds of students.

Sue loved spending time at the Beaver Springs Ranch cabin. When she would get a drink, she would often say “There’s nothing like that good Weber water”. She enjoyed seeing the wildlife. Each year she put out a new salt lick that brought deer and moose to the property. She also fed the beautiful hummingbirds that came to visit. She treasured her friendships with canyon neighbors. During the winter months, Sue and Des loved to go “trippin” to the southwest. Throughout these travels, Sue came to love Native American art. She collected beautiful Kachina dolls, painted ponies, pottery and wall art.

Sue and Frank also enjoyed time at the cabin together and winters in Hurricane to get out of the cold. Their companionship brought much happiness and new family and friendships for Sue. They would often watch old television westerns. She had seen so many episodes of Gunsmoke she could recite some by heart.

Over the past several years, her stepson, Ralph, would spend an evening each week visiting with her. They would watch television shows and sports. She enjoyed everything from basketball games to hockey to pro wrestling. Ralph would bring her caramels and Diet Coke which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Sue is survived by her stepson Ralph Shields (Wendy) and stepdaughter Debbie Olsen, 6 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, partner and cousin MaryAnn Gulbranson, whom Sue took care for many years.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers at Elk Meadows Assisted Living in Oakley, Spring Gardens Assisted Living in Draper and most recently Harmony Hospice for the love and service shown to Sue.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a children’s charity to honor Sue’s years of teaching.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 11th, at Larkin Sunset Gardens from 2:00 to 2:45 PM, followed by a graveside service at 3:00 PM.