Our most precious Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great-Grandmother passed away into the open arms of her savior on 29 Dec 2017. Shirley was born in Salt Lake City, UT on 28 June 1935 to Albert Harris and Mildred Ehlers Harris.
Shirley met the cherished love of her life Lloyd Jensen and was married in Evanston, WY. Because they had eloped to Evanston, without notifying any family members, they then returned home to their individual families after getting married. They did not know how to break the news to anyone that they were married at a very young age with both still in high school. Despite the young age at which they were married, the marriage not only endured, but thrived until Lloyds passing on 29 Sept 2002.
Shirley loved spending time at Bear Lake which was the site of many annual extended family reunions starting in the early 1950's. These family reunions involved several generations of extended family members. In recent years Shirley enjoyed sitting on the Lanai of the condo in Maui, HI during February watching the Humpback whales at play. As she sat on the Lanai she was like a child in total amazement at the antics of the whales at play. A tender special moment occurred as she witnessed the birth of a baby whale and watched as the mother whale pushed her calf toward the surface for its first breath of life. Part of the child in Shirley was the enjoyment she found in Disneyland not only as an adult, but also set aside the time to introduce her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the "Happiest Place on Earth".
Shirley was a true Christian who exhibited Christ-Like compassion and unconditional love for all individuals. Shirley is a member of the LDS Church; it was her Christ-Like acts that set her apart as a truly remarkable person. While her children were living at home, there was not a stray animal, or child, that she would not take in and nourish and love until they could find their way again. Shirley always did so in a non-judgmental and tender way. Even after the children left the home, Shirley continued to invite others to live under her roof until she could help them on their way. Shirley worked tirelessly to ensure people could lead a better and more productive life, giving it, her all, and continuously relying on the power of prayer for guidance and direction.
Shirley retired from Unisys where she was an engineer in the circuit board lab. While at Unisys, Shirley met many friends which she maintained friendships with after her retirement. While Shirley understood main-frame computers and the circuity within, it took her awhile to catch on how to operate things like a Kindle and Smartphone. She finally had to give up on the smartphone and secured a flip phone, much to the relief of her family members.
Shirley was born the middle child of five sisters. She and her sisters were always close, and she cherished the relationship she had with each one. Her sister Penny (Richard) Kocherhans survives her and Shirley has always enjoyed the times her and Penny could spend together. After Lloyd passed away it was Penny who stepped into help Shirley though what was the most difficult time in her life. The void that was left in Shirley's life from losing someone who she had been married to for over 50 years was immense and It was Penny who stepped in to comfort her. Not to be forgotten are the sisters who predeceased Shirley in death; Noreen Miller, Ramona (Ross) Oseguera, and Sharon (John) Thurman. Each sister was precious to Shirley and the relationship was extraordinary. Noreen and Ramona being the older two, taught Shirley how to drive, not in a typical family sedan, but in their fathers 5-ton stick-shift delivery truck. There are horror stories of fences being ran over, and gates that needed to be open. Since they did not want to get out of the truck and open the gate, they would give the gate a "little shove with the bumper of the truck" and level an entire fence. Sharon was too young to be part of the driving lessons; however, it was Sharon who taught Shirley the finer art of Bingo playing and how to identify "House Players". They were a bunch of rowdy young ladies who had a joy and respect for life and always watched out and cared for each other.
Along with her sister Penny (Richard) Kocherhans, Shirley is survived by her sons, Scott (Beatrix "Trixie") Jensen, Steven (Karon) Jensen and Daughter Shauna (Steven) Hansen. Grandchildren Justin Jensen, Jaime (Dan) Edmund, Tanell Jensen Brandon (Marie) Jensen, Sherry (David) McGeary, and Brandon Ferguson. Great-Grandchildren; Kaelon Tryon, Brooklin Walk, Aidan Walk, Daxton Edmund, Caitlin Edmund, Skylie Burningham, Kolton Jensen, Kyson Jensen, Jada Lindahl, Conner McGeary and Grayson McGeary. Great-Great-Grandson; Miles "Smiles" Richardson. Shirley is survived by several Nephews and Nice's who she loved and adored and she felt the mutual admiration back. Predeceased by Great-Granddaughter Stevie Jensen.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, 5 Jan 2018 at the South Jordan Utah, Highland 3rd Ward located at 9897 S Dunsinane Dr, South Jordan, UT 84095. Visitation will be at the Chapel from 11:00 AM ‚ 11:45 AM followed by services at Noon. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84106.
