Obituary: Shirley Callister Barton

Shirley Callister Barton A Lovely Lady Shirley Callister Barton, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family April 6, 2006. Shirley was born August 20, 1920 in Salt Lake City to Irene Simmons and Edward Richard Callister. She grew up in Salt Lake City, and graduated from East High School. Her siblings were Edward Richard Callister, Jr., and Betty Callister Jones, both of whom preceded her in death. Shirley married Frank Barton in Salt Lake City May 11, 1939. He preceded her in death on their 47th wedding anniversary in 1986. Shirley was a devoted wife and mother who supported Frank in his many business interests. In the 1960's as Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell opened, they took up boating and had many wonderful trips exploring the new lakes. In 1970 they moved to Bloomington, Utah where they built one of the first homes on the Bloomington Golf Course. Many years later Shirley became the first woman board member at the Bloomington Country Club. During her thirty years in Bloomington, she developed many close and long-lasting friendships. After Frank's death, Shirley married Morgan Sorenson in 1988. He died in 1989. In 1993 she married Verl Strom. He died in 1998. Shirley remained close to the Sorenson and Strom families and always looked back with fondness on the times she spent with them. Shirley was particularly close to and loved by her thirteen grandchildren, almost all of whom were able to be by her side at her passing. All her grandchildren have fond memories of spending summers in St. George with she and "Pa." In 2003, Shirley suffered a massive stroke. Since that time she has been at Highland Care Center. The family would like to thank the entire staff for the kind and conscientious care she received over the years. Shirley is survived by her three devoted children, F. Reid Barton, Jr. (Maggie), Barbara LeSueur (Chip), and Rich Barton (Rosemary); 13 grandchildren; and 19 3/4 great-grandchildren. At Shirley's request, a small family service will be held at the graveside in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.