Shirley Anderson Cazier, passed away in Logan, Utah, February 16, 1999.
She was born in Salt Lake City on August 20, 1931, the daughter of Leland and Blanche Anderson. She was raised in Manti, Utah. She graduated from Manti High School and maintained a continuous relationship with her high school friends. She then graduated from Snow college and the University of Utah, where she obtained a degree in elementary education. She was valedictorian at every school from which she graduated.At the University of Utah she met her future husband of more than 46 years, Stanford Cazier. They were married on June 11, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple. Shirley began her lifelong commitment to teaching in Idaho, where she and Stanford taught school for one year. She continued to teach elementary school in Salt Lake City and in Madison, Wisconsin, while her husband pursued his advanced degrees.
In 1960 her husband was appointed assistant professor at Utah State University, which brought her family to Logan, Utah for 11 years. For the following 21 years Shirley served graciously as First Lady while her husband was president of California State University, Chico in Northern California and then at Utah State University. At USU she was particularly concerned with helping international students adjust to American culture. She also supervised student teachers for the College of Education.
After looking out for her husband and sons, Shirley's focus was on service to others, especially those in her church. She served as both a ward and stake Relief Society president before she was called to serve on the General Board of the Relief Society by Barbara Smith, then General President. She also developed and taught a course about the General Presidents of the Relief Society of the Logan LDS Institute of Religion. At the same time she was advisor to Lamda Delta Sigma sorority at the institute.
Shirley had a lovely voice. She studied singing with Naomi Farr in New York City. When she returned to Logan, she gave a choice recital, singing classical arias in German, French, Italian and English. She sang solos and duets on numerous occasions. A memorable experience was singing fiddler on the roof, concert style , with four of her friends for the LDS General Authorities at one of their annual Christmas parties. She was delighted that President David O. McKay could be present. She also sang with the Northern Utah Choral Society.
She was a member of several women's clubs to include Literati, Clerisy and the A.C. Women's Club. She greatly enjoyed her association with the women in these clubss. Former Governor Scott Matheson also appointed her to the Utah Endowment for the Humanities.
Love for the truth and beauty, characterized this choice woman. While she loved to read and enjoyed beauty in all its forms, it was goodness exemplified in service to others that captured her most. All who knew her loved her. Most of these, who could, visited her in her time of need.
She was preceded in death by her baby son, Thomas Michael. She is survived by her husband, her three sons, David, John, and Paul and his wife Leesa; and four choice grandchildren, Katherine, Andrew, Miranda and Daniel; also her brother Don (Pat) Anderson; three sisters; Helen (Jim) Thornton, Lois (Gerald) Hayward, Faye (Dion) Frazier; an aunt, Katie Woodward; a brother-in-law, Marsden (Phyllis) Crazier; a dozen nieces and nephews, and many cousins.
She will be greatly missed, especially by her husband, who wonders if he would have amounted to anything without her tender encouragement, guidance and support in a loving relationship.
Funeral services will be held t 12 noon Saturday in the Logan 24th Ward Chapel, 1260 No. 1600 E. Friends may call at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center St. on Friday evening from 6-9 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Logan City Cemetery.
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