Shirley Blanche Phelps Wilson's Obituary
Shirley Blanche Wilson
1940 - 2022
Shirley Blanche Phelps Wilson was born December 2, 1940, in Jacksonville, Florida. After a quick and unexpected illness, she passed from this world on Saturday, December 17, 2022, in her Orem Utah home, surrounded by her children.
Shirley is the daughter of Milton Laurence Phelps and Irma Marie Sattler Phelps. Shirley was a beautiful baby who was quick to smile and giggle. As she grew, young Shirley showed a love for singing, sewing, and being a doting sister, but never quite came to love her middle name. She enjoyed her life in Jacksonville, until circumstances caused her mother to move her children across the country to Montebello, California, in 1956. Shirley was fifteen years old at the time and thought her life was over (as any teen would feel about leaving dear friends). Shirley didn’t know it then, but this move would become a pivotal moment in her life, a change that would echo through the eternities.
In Montebello, Shirley quickly lost her southern accent, but found friends and she and her family began to consider Southern California home. Following her graduation from Montebello High School in 1959, she moved to Provo Utah to attend Brigham Young University. Coming home for Christmas her freshman year triggered a whirlwind of events that began when she met a handsome recently returned missionary whose eyes sparkled and cheeks blushed when he looked at her. It really was love at first sight and he was determined to win her heart. Shirley did not return to BYU.
Shirley married Ronald George Wilson in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Los Angeles Temple on August 27, 1960. Shirley and Ron began their life together in married bliss. Shirley thought her heart would burst, and couldn’t imagine she could love any greater, until another boy entered her life. In 1962 Shirley gave birth to their first child, Steven. Three more children followed while in California: Ron, Sean, and Shirlene. With the birth of each child Shirley wondered how she could grow to further love so intensely.
Shirley and Ron lived in various homes in southern California (including a brief detour to Scottsdale Arizona) for more than a decade. In a flash of inspiration, Shirley and Ron moved their young family from southern California to Logan Utah in 1974. Their children at first wondered if their parents were delusional taking them from the sand and waves of Huntington Beach to the alfalfa fields and cows of North Logan. Logan was only a short stop, as Shirley and Ron moved their family to Alpine Utah in 1975.
Shirley and Ron quickly realized that Alpine was a wonderful place to raise their family. In 1976, the family became complete when Chris arrived. Shirley was enchanted with this adorable baby, and her heart again expanded with love for her youngest son. While living in Alpine, Ron and Shirley made many life-long friends as they served in various roles in the community and church. These years in Alpine contain many cherished memories and relationships. Years later they moved to American Fork Utah, Kingwood Texas, and Orem Utah.
Shirley is a loving soul who always thought of others needs before her own. She is an exemplary spouse and mother and is loved and honored by her progeny. She took pride in keeping a lovely home and perfecting her skills as a self-taught seamstress and master quilter. Throughout her life she used her many talents to serve and bless the lives of others.
Shirley was raised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her baptism at eight years of age started a life-long discipleship to Jesus Christ and His gospel. She loved her Savior and Heavenly Father with a deep devotion. She served in many church leadership callings, including a full-time mission with Ron in West Virginia. Shirley’s faith in eternal families was more profound in recent years as she found peace in the temple and yearned to join her beloved Ron following his passing.
Shirley was proceeded in death by her parents, her sister Nancy Sego, brothers Larry Phelps and Bob Phelps, daughter-in-law Kemley Wilson, and her eternal sweetheart, Ron. She is survived by her sisters Carole Young and Joan Schaller, her brother Ron Phelps, and children Steven Mark, Ronald Scott (Andrea), Michael Sean (Lisa), Shirlene Barlow (Matthew), Christopher James (Summer), fifteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in the Orem Suncrest 5th Ward meetinghouse located at 140 N 400 W Orem, Utah. A viewing will occur prior to services Wednesday at the church from 9:30am-10:30am. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?
