Shirley Marie Clark

1924 ~ 2020

Obituary Photo for Shirley Marie Clark < >

Our beautiful and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on November 21, 2020, in Sandy, UT at the age of 96.

The fourth of five children, Shirley was born in Denver, CO on November 6, 1924, to Archie & Ivy Knisely. Some of her fondest memories were growing up on the family ranch in Shawnee, CO: running down to the river to see her cousins and grandparents, gathering vegetables from the garden and potato cellar, playing with the many farm animals, playing with her sisters and brother, and she always like when visitors from Denver would come for a mountain vacation in Shawnee. Shirley always had something to keep her entertained! The family moved to Denver when she was ten years old and then settled in Los Angeles, CA when she was 13. There she enjoyed high jinks with her cousins and dreamed of seeing Hollywood stars.

In California, Shirley met her first husband, M. Clyde Smith. They were married in 1940 and had two sons, Ron and Larry, and a daughter, Vicki. They later divorced and Shirley then met and married Henry Clark. They had three daughters, Cathy, Kelly, and Kimberly. With Henry's two sons from his first marriage, Tom, and Richard, it was a true blended "yours, mine, and ours" family! Shirley and her young family moved to the Ontario, CA area where she resided for over 30 years. Shirley was widowed in 1972 and she never remarried.

Shirley had a variety of work experiences during her lifetime: glass factory worker, telephone operator, retail sales, and clerical positions. She retired in 1986 from her work as a healthcare medical receptionist at Kaiser Permanente of Southern California. Eight years after retiring, Shirley desired to escape the congestion of So. California and decided to move to Utah. She loved the beauty of the Wasatch mountain range and settled in Murray, Utah. There she lived alongside Big Cottonwood Creek where she lived for twenty years enjoying the abundant trees and tranquil setting from her deck on the edge of the creek.

Shirley spent many years traveling far and wide enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of each city & country she visited. She had a passion for fashion and admired stylish clothing and all the accessories. She also had a reputation for being a good cook. Her pecan, banana cream, and lemon meringue pies are legendary, as are her chicken enchiladas, potato broccoli soup, and peanut brittle. She had a real sweet tooth and could be won over with See's Candy or butter pecan ice cream.

Shirley will be remembered for her generous spirit and lighting up a room with her beautiful radiant smile. She was an example of always seeing the beauty around her and encouraging others to see and appreciate what she saw. She was quick to laugh or scold and could be equal parts sweet and salty but her positivity and loving sweet spirit shone the brightest. She was a woman of beauty and strength and her ever-optimistic attitude has left an imprint on many hearts. She was always devoted to her family and was interested in what each and everyone was doing and how they were doing. Shirley was strong-willed and a fighter to the end but is most known and loved for her generous spirit and beautiful radiant smile. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; husband, Henry Clark; daughter, Kimberly; son, Larry Smith; stepson, Richard Clark; step-grandson, Suren Chase Clark; and former spouse, Madison Clyde Smith. She is survived by her children, Ron (Joanie) Smith, Vicki (Frank) McCormick, Cathy Clark, Kelly (Graham) Hamill, stepson, Tom Clark; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and a nephew.

The family would like to thank Alta Ridge Assisted Living for the loving care given and friendships created during the past 6.5 years. And a special thank you for the additional extraordinary care provided by the Hospice staff.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of Shirley's life will be held at a future date.


Guestbook/Condolences

Shirley was a genuine, happy soul. She had a positive word for every person that crossed her path. I am blessed that I enjoyed her later years with her. I miss her dearly. Love, and God be with you and yours at this difficult time.


- Kristin Jensen