Our sweet 97-year-old mother, Shirley M. Strout, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 8th, 2023. She was a light to many! Her first priority was always her family and with them she shared many gifts and lessons. She exhibited endless kindness, compassion and generosity but didn’t hesitate to make her opinion known! The family frequently referred to her as “Saint Shirley”, “GG” and “The Queen Mother”.
Shirley taught English, business, and typing at Granite Park Jr. High for twenty-three years. She was a demanding teacher but always had the best interest of her students at heart. At times she was called the “Mini Brute” but she had a great sense of humor and embraced that title. Directing Shakespeare plays with her English students and taking her business students to a bank to observe the real financial world was her joy. Many students returned after graduation to thank her for all they had learned.
She enjoyed golf, bridge, reading, travel, was always interested in trying “new things” and was a devoted member of All Saints Episcopal Church for 60 years serving in many capacities.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Paul R. Strout, her parents Oscar and Alice Hanson, siblings, sister Donna Braddock, brother Tom Hanson and grandson Jacob Strout. She is survived by her daughter Paula Ashcraft (Charles), son Rick Strout (Clarese), son Jim Strout, 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the amazing staff of Sunrise at Holladay and Inspiration Hospice for there wonderful compassionate care of our precious Mom!
A funeral service for Shirley will be held Saturday July 15th, 11:00 AM at All Saints Episcopal Church (1710 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City).
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Shirley’s name to All Saints Episcopal Church Memorial Fund (allsaints@allsaintsslc.org) or the Utah Food Bank (www.utahfoodbank.org)
I am so sorry for your loss, Paula. Every girl needs her Mom. May your happy memories bring you comfort at this time of grief.
Dear Paula, and all of Shirley’s family,
Shirley was an amazing and dear woman. I certainly don’t have to tell this to you, who knew and loved her. I knew her through various church activities at All Saints and remarked many times that she was my role model for the way I wanted to be an “older” person. I pray for all of you as you grieve your loss and remember her gifts to you. May she rest in peace and rise in glory..
My dearest Strout family.
My heart is with you all. I am so blessed to have known your mother and continue to know and love All oy you. Thank you.
Sorry for your loss. Shirley was a great friend to me. I have missed her for a long time since I quit going to church. So glad she had a very long and happy life.