Shirley May Bell Parker, 89, passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Peach Tree Assisted Living. She is a cherished wife, mother and grandmother. She was finally released from this life.

Shirley was born March 30, 1929 in Spring Canyon, Utah to Louise Emily Gibson Bell and Zoram Bonanza Bell. Shirley was the sixth of twelve children.

Shirley was an original coal miner’s daughter. It was in this family setting and living a coal miner’s life that she learned to be fearless in standing up for what she believed in. Later, her family moved to Davis County where she graduated from Davis High School. Shirley met her husband Willard at a dance; he had just come home from serving in the merchant marines and was attending the dance with a friend. While there he noticed a dark haired beauty and was smitten and asked his friend if he knew who she was. His friend said, “Sure I do, she is my sister;” his friend was Shirley’s brother Ted. Willard and Shirley were married in the Logan Temple on July 14, 1947. They resided in Clearfield, Utah for the first nine years of marriage. This is where they had their first three children. Later, they moved to Roy in 1956 where they had four more children. In later years Shirley and her husband, Willard, retired and moved to Vernal, Utah, they loved the slower pace and country setting. They were living in Vernal at the time that the Vernal Temple was being built. They would drive down daily to check on its progress and were thrilled when it opened. They loved serving in the Temple. While in Vernal they also served together at the Church Cannery. In 2013, Shirley and Willard moved to West Point to be closer to family. In 2016, Willard broke his hip and it became necessary for them to move into Peach Tree Assisted Living where they lived until their passing.

Shirley’s and Willard’s home was always welcoming and inviting. They had many backyard barbeques with friends and family-which the grandchildren loved. Sundays were the time to go to grandma’s and have orange dream ice cycles and play with the cousins in the backyard, Grandma’s house is where they wanted to be.

Shirley is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many callings including Relief Society President and Primary President. She loved helping others. One of her favorite things to do was to put boxes of food together and drive her children over to where there was a need, she would sit in the car while her children would leave the food on the porch, ring the door bell and run. Shirley was a strong defender of community values. She was active in local politics and worked on The Youth Caring and Sharing committee to assist youth. She was a strong voice and a driving force in the community where she fought to protect the constitution. She was a valiant example to all who knew her, and she loved her family and country.

Shirley is survived by five of her children: Dennis (Susie), Joe, Drew (Laurie), Marie (Ron), Sid (Susan), 37 grandchildren, 74 great grandchildren, and a sister Louann. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Willard, daughter Sherry, son Wayne, grandsons Tyler Parker, Cody Whale, her parents Louise and Zoram Bell, and ten of her brothers and sisters Venda, Della, Norma, Norman, Ted, Bud, Lee, Einez, Irene, and Ilene.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday February 8, 2019 at the Syracuse Barber Acres Chapel, 3024 S. 1200 W. The family will meet with friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church.

Interment, Roy City Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com