Shirley Verona Wright (94), beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 15, 2024. Shirley was born on February 16, 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Harry Shirley Wright and Ethel Verona Walker Wright, and was one of 2 children. She grew up in Midvale, Utah, with her brother and parents, and graduated from Jordan High School in 1948.
After high school, Shirley did secretarial work at the Utah State Capitol and at a local radio station, and worked as a fashion model for several high-end department stores. She also attended college at the University of Utah. She married her high school sweetheart, Garth Stillman Wright, on June 17, 1952 in the Salt Lake temple.
After Garth joined the US Navy, they left Utah and lived in many different states including Florida, Kansas, California and Washington. Shirley traveled back to Utah to deliver their first son, and had their second son while stationed in Whidbey Island, Washington. She had their third son after moving back to Utah. Shirley worked occasionally as a substitute teacher while attending night classes at the University of Utah. She eventually earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, something she was very proud of.
In spite of many health problems throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to create meaningful and lasting memories for her family. These included long family road trips, homemade pizza nights, annual Disneyland trips, Saturday night TV parties, and countless holiday celebrations. One of Shirley’s favorite pastimes was shopping for clothes, so she’d often drag her boys along from store to store, much to their dismay. Ten years after the birth of her last son, Shirley felt like her family wasn’t quite complete, so she went against her doctor’s advice and had her fourth and final child. This time it was a little girl, and Shirley finally had a shopping buddy! She and Garth continued to create beautiful, lasting memories with their children and grandchildren for the rest of their lives.
Shirley was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served extensively throughout her life. She made lifelong friends in her various callings and was a wonderful example of Christ-like service to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her poise, humor, selfless generosity, and loving devotion to her family.
She is survived by her four children; G. Jerel Wright, Russell (Laurie) Wright, Kelly (Shirley) Wright, and Rachelle (Jay) Woolley; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother H. Shirl Wright; and beloved husband of 67 years, Garth. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, on Friday, March 22, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Dr. Millcreek, UT 84106. A viewing will be held before the service from 9:00-10:45 am. Interment will be at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park cemetery.
The family would like to thank Intermountain Homecare and Hospice, specifically Ben and Eliza, who helped take such loving care of our mom over the last seven months.
