Shirley Ann Thomas Nelson returned to her Heavenly Father on January 18, 2021. She was born on January 19, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She married her sweetheart, Noell Nelson on October 6, 1948, and have been married for 72 years.
Shirley had many callings in the church serving in young women’s and as a historian. She even attended girl's camp at the age of 80. She served in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. Shirley had a passion for art. She loved teaching art lessons in her studio. Shirley was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
Shirley is survived by her husband Noell and a sister, Barbara.
Shirley and Noell have 6 children: Tim Nelson, Azrcka Bedgood, Luanne Chucci, Sandra Wilson, Todd Nelson, and Terry Nelson. They also have 21 grandkids, 61 great-grandchildren, and 39 great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Fredrick and Martha Thomas and Leonard and Louise Kesler. Her parents, Richard and Grace Thomas of Salt Lake City, Utah. Her sisters, Hellen, Dorothy, Grace, Margaret, Dixie, and Maxine, and her brother, Richard.
A mother to all, we thank you this day for your loving care that showed us the way. We love and will miss you dearly.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at 11:00 am at Larkin Mortuary Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah. Viewings will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2021, from the hours of 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Thursday prior to services from 9:30 – 10:45 at Larkin Mortuary Riverton.
Interment will be at 2:00 pm at the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 17111 South 1700 West, Bluffdale, Utah.
To view the recorded funeral services, please see the zoom link listed above.
Noell, so sorry to hear about Shirley! I didn't know until tonight, hope to see you tomorrow! I loved everything about Shirley, if there was ever an angel here on earth it was her. I know everybody loved Shirley, and I know you loved her the most, and I know how much she loved you! However, the remarkable thing about Shirley was not the love everybody had for her, but it was the love she had for everybody else. You knew how much love she had because of the way she always showed it! I have known Shirley for thirty six years and can't remember a time that she did not greet me with a big hug and kind words. Shirley, the world is a better place because you were here! And I will always strive to make the world a better place because of your example. God bless you the way you blessed others.
Shirley was one of the most Christ-like person that I have ever known. She was so sweet and compassionate. She truly was an angel and I will be forever grateful for her love and friendship. She will be missed terribly. Sending all our love to your sweet husband and your family.
You will be missed. Thank you for your great example and wonderful service to Bluffdale.
Shirley always made you feel that you was Family and always Given you a hug and kiss and making you Always Feel Welcome to come over to her and Noel at Anytime and always insisting on you staying for Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast. She will Always Be Missed by Everyone that Known Her. She Is And Was A Class Act. The Sweetest Lady I Have Ever Known. My Prayers are With The Family
My heart is breaking! Shirley was such a sweet person, so kind and loving, always interested in you. Together she and Noelle were such a great part of Bluffdale from the ground up and her passing leaves a big hole in this city. What ever will he do without her? Much love and prayers to him and the extended family. She has left you a great legacy and the world is a better place because of her.
Loved Shirley. Became friends while serving on the City council when her husband was mayor. She always had a hug for me when she saw me in public. Delightful person. The world is a lesser place without her in it.
We are so saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. She was amazing. She was full of smiles, hugs and a camera. She always made you feel special and wanted to make sure she took your picture before you parted. If only we could have cloned her. The world wouldn't have the conflict if everyone followed her example. We have so many cherished memories of her.
Grandma Nelson was an angel on earth and now in heaven. She is THE example of how a person should love, behave, and live without judgement. She saved my life and I truly believe if it wasn't for her pure love, tremendous faith, and personal connection with God I would not be here today. Knowing that she is in heaven looking down upon me with love in her heart, gives me great joy. She will always be my guardian angel. She is loved and adored by all who knew her. She will be missed but never forgotten! I love you grandma! XOXO
Shirley is so classy, but unlike the stereotype classy woman she was as kind and charitable as one could be. She had a remarkable way of showing love and concern for me even when I hadn’t seen her for years. She was such a fun Young Women’s leader for me and my peers even 48 years ago! Bless you Noall and your family! You and Shirley have given so much to Bluffdale!
A wonderful ray of sunshine everytime I saw her. Shirley was so fun to see and visit with and I will miss her smiles and hugs!
We love Shirley! She has always been such a warm, caring person. We will miss her smile, hugs and sweetness. We are thankful for her example and will always hold a place in our hearts!
Always cheerful and hospitable, that's how I remember Aunt Shirley. I'm sorry she was ill and I along with others weren't aware in order to send her sympathy communications. But I'm sure she's now at the side of God in her Celestial glory. My condolences to uncle Noel, one of the nicest men I've ever known, and all my cousins; Tim, Pauline (Azrka), Luanne, Sandy, Todd and Terry. I'm very very sorry for your loss.
We Love you forever and ever. You were always there for us. We thank you both. We'll see you again eternity is forever.
Craig and Sandie Nelson
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the arms of your Heavenly Father. Sending our love to the whole family💕💕🙏
Noel and Family, We are very sad to hear about Shirley. She was a very beautiful lady, inside and out. Remember you will be with her again.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.
Dear uncle Noel and family, we are so sorry for your loss, aunt Shirley was a bright light always happy and full of smiles , I did enjoyed a couple of phone calls that we had not to long ago, we shared stories about her childhood. She was truly an inspiring person. Love you all Carol Erickson
Dear Noell & family,
I am sorry to learn of Shirley's passing. She was my devoted, loving, & fun YW leader back in the 70's, & was such a loving mother figure to so many of us who looked up to her example & Christ-like
I’m so sorry for your loss. Shirley was a shining example of beauty, grace, kindness, and displayed true character. I grew up in Bluffdale and have always had beautiful memories of this beautiful lady.
Paulette Smith Rasmussen