Shirley Jean Smith

Our beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, Shirley Jean McCune Smith, passed away September 24, 2024 of complications from a fall. She was born July 7, 1931, to Frances McCune and Charlotte Stephens. The only child of that union, she was subsequently raised in Ogden, Utah, by her mother and stepfather. She lived with purpose, poise, and grace and her life was punctuated by wonderful friends, opportunities, and hard work. She was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her faith guided every decision and action all her days. She was beautiful, bright, and driven to make a positive difference.

On March 16, 1951 Shirley married her one and only, Sidney Sharp Smith, Jr., in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they set out to build a life. Their family eventually included four daughters, raised in a home where the gospel of Jesus Christ was central, guided by parents who emulated their faith. Family was most important, and Shirley was the steadying influence, where she worked hard to create a home where her children could feel safe and cared for. She loved to cook and shared that love by preparing beautiful food. Dinnertime was always a treat. 

In her 50s Shirley returned to Weber State College to finish the college degree she had begun earlier. Once her children were raised, she and Sid headed off to serve LDS missions that included Nova Scotia, Temple Square, and China, and in between they often spent summers at Yellowstone Park working in the lodge, where they met people from all over the world. Theirs was not a sedentary retirement, and they made a good team. In between all that, she volunteered as a docent at the Utah State Capitol, the LDS Family History Museum, and also worked at the Utah State Legislature. Her curiosity and love of learning never stopped; she was an engaging and fun conversationalist to the end. If you knew her you never forgot her—she was a force for good. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends, especially in her Danbury neighborhood.

She is survived by her daughters Susan (Paul) Burt, Sandra (Randy) Nestman, Sharon (Dave) Jensen, and Shelly (James) Loong, 17 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and many who loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband Sidney and brother Ray McCune.

The family wishes to acknowledge the many caregivers who attended our mom after her fall. We will never forget the dedicated service she received, and we are very grateful.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 North 400 East, Bountiful, UT, at 11:00am. All are invited to gather for a viewing from 9:30am-10:30am prior to the service at the same location. Interment is at Bountiful City Cemetery following the service at 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, UT.