Shirley Ruth Mariani

Shirley Ruth Larson Mariani, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 88.

Shirley was born on June 28, 1937, in Salt Lake City to Howard W. Larson and Eva Ruth Murphy Larson. She spent her early childhood in Garfield, Utah, before the family moved to Granger, Utah, where she attended school and developed a love for music, playing the clarinet in band during middle school and part of high school. Shirley graduated from Cyprus High School in 1955.

As a child, Shirley and her family enjoyed traveling to Logan, Utah, to visit relatives and camping in Yellowstone National Park—one of their favorite destinations. Many summer days were also spent swimming at the Great Salt Lake.

After high school, Shirley met and married the love of her life, Roy J. Mariani. They were married on December 8, 1956, in Memory Grove in Salt Lake City. Together they raised three children—Cindy, Sherry, and Kelly—in the same family home where they built a lifetime of memories. After Roy’s passing on May 20, 1990, Shirley moved to Three Fountains Condominiums in Murray, Utah, where she lived for over 30 years.

Throughout her career, Shirley worked in various positions in bank operations, earning the respect of her coworkers for her dedication and reliability. In 2000, she bravely faced a battle with breast cancer and remained cancer-free for the rest of her life.

Service and generosity were at the heart of who Shirley was. She and Roy were active members of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles for more than a decade, participating in countless service projects. After Roy’s passing, Shirley began volunteering at St. Joseph’s Villa Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care Facility, where she served in various leadership positions with the Villa Volunteers organization, and she worked in the gift shop every week for over 25 years. She cherished the lifelong friendships formed with her fellow volunteers and was honored with a plaque recognizing her many years of continuous service.

Shirley was a generous soul who quietly supported family, friends, and neighbors in times of need. She had a special tradition of giving extra during the holidays and regularly donated food to the Murray High School Food Pantry.

Later in life, Shirley found deep fulfillment as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved serving in the Relief Society, visiting and ministering to others, and attending the temple regularly to perform sealing ordinances with dear friends.

Shirley lived a rich and full life, enjoying a wide range of interests. She loved to read and was a proud member of the same book club for nearly 20 years. She enjoyed traveling on bus tours across the United States, going on cruises with family, and camping in the great outdoors. She also learned to play golf later in life and played weekly with friends. A talented seamstress, Shirley loved to sew, scrapbook, and create memory books filled with family photos. Classical music was one of her lifelong joys.

Shirley will be dearly missed and remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit of service. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue through her family and all who were fortunate to know her.

She is survived by her three children: Cindy (Terry) Rosenlund, Sherry Arthur, and Kelly (Heidi) Mariani; her sister, Gloria (Alan) Reckling; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great, great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy J. Mariani; partner, Val R. Pyle; brother, Wayne (Joan) Larson; and parents, Howard and Eva Larson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Murray First Ward, 755 E. Three Fountains Drive, Murray, Utah 84107. A viewing will be held that morning from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by funeral services from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A link for the live stream of the funeral service and a copy of the funeral program can be found on the Larkin Mortuary website under Shirley Mariani.