On Saturday, August 28, 1999 Shirley Jean Olsen Murdock our loving and gracious wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished friend passed away peacefully at the Dixie Regional Hospital in St. George, Utah, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous and valiant battle with bone marrow cancer.
She was born June 11, 1928 in Morgan, Utah to Seldon "Jack" and Ina Beal Olsen. On August 14, 1948 she married the love of her life, Kent Murdock. Their marriage was later solemnized on August 28, 1957 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Their marriage of 51 years was one of devotion and love. Shirley attended the Morgan County schools, the University of Utah and Steven Henegar Business College. Kent and Shirley were blessed with five children which were her joy and treasure and they blessed her life with 29 beautiful grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who gave her much laughter and happiness as they have grown through the years.Shirley was a member of the LDS Church and had received many blessings in her callings in both ward and stake positions. She served on the Relief Society Stake Board, President of the Ward Relief Society, President of the ward Young Women's Organization, a Jr. Sunday School Coordinator, a teacher in all auxiliaries and a visiting teacher for 42 years. A most rewarding calling was the teacher of the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School. Through her study she learned to know, to love, and to revere her Heavenly Father. She and her husband, Kent, served as guides on Temple Square and also served two missions together. The first mission was to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1993 and then more recently returning from the Washington D.C. Temple Mission in 1998. They also served as Ordinance Workers at the Bountiful Utah Temple for two years. Shirley served as a hostess at the "Beehive House" for many enjoyable years and as a "Pink Lady" at the Bountiful, Lakeview Hospital. She was past President and member of the Clearfield Literary Guild. Shirley served many years as a secretary for the Davis School District in Clearfield and Clinton, and knew most every student by their first name. She was an avid reader and gave many book reviews. She and Kent had the privilege to visit many countries, with the most recent being a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands with their children and spouses to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Shirley's principle interest centered in her family. Her happiest, most enjoyable times were spent at her home, the place where she and Kent lovingly nurtured 5 children. Her home was a house of order, cleanliness and love, a place where she served as counselor, teacher, confidante and friend. Her greatest accomplishment was raising a righteous family. They were the "light of her life."
Shirley is survived by her loving, caring, husband, Kent of Bountiful; children: Margo (David) Gunther of American Fork; K.O. (Tonya) of Layton; Nan (Jay) Lighthall of North Ogden,; Blake (Julie) of Bountiful; and Tammy (Travis) Truman of Mapleton; 29 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Evelyn O. Vest of SLC, and Bertie O. Criddle of Kaysville. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Lamar Criddle Olsen and baby brother.
We thank those who have been so caring and treated our family with such kindness and love in our time of need. She loved and cherished her many friends and neighbors. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 1, 1999 at 1 p.m. at the Orchard 6th Ward Chapel, 3599 South Orchard Drive, Bountiful. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, and again Wednesday morning from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment-Lakeview Cemetery.
"Mom, we'll always remember your "zest for life" and how your smile would light up a room. WE LOVE YOU!"
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