Sylvia Hansen Shields

Sylvia Hansen Shields was born on December 26, 1937, in Park City, Utah, to Clements Peter Hansen and Kathryn Evans Hansen. She was the youngest of five children and was raised in a close-knit family that shaped her lifelong devotion to faith, family, and service.

Sylvia attended Park City High School, where she was a cheerleader and drum major. She especially enjoyed cheering on her sweetheart, Melvin, during his basketball and football games. She later attended Utah State University.

Sylvia married Melvin W. Shields on October 18, 1957, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned over 68 years. Together, they built a life centered on faith, quality family time and fun.

For 20 years, Sylvia worked at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) where she brought her personality and eye for detail to work every day. At home, she loved to have everything in order and was an ace at managing the family finances because she detailed every single expense. No one could spend a penny without her knowledge.

Sylvia had a deep love for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life, she served faithfully as Relief Society President three times, Sunday School teacher, and in the Young Women’s organization. She and Melvin also served two service missions together. She was a devoted visiting teacher and ministering sister, always reaching out with kindness and personal attention.

Between work, family and service, Sylvia still found time to enjoy many hobbies. She loved everything Disneyland – visiting, collecting, and dressing accordingly. She was an avid Utah Jazz fan and attended many games, never forgetting her favorite players John Stockton and Karl Malone. She also enjoyed collecting Precious Moments figurines and scrapbooking countless photos of her family. However, her greatest joy was bringing her family together, especially by hosting weekly family dinners for many years.

Sylvia Hansen Shields will be remembered for her example of faith, devotion to her family, sense of fun, and her lifelong service to others. Her legacy of love, organization, and dedication lives on through all who knew and loved her.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Clements and Kathryn Hansen; her brothers Paul Hansen, Donald Hansen, and Cameron Hansen (wife Beverly); her sister Jessie Hansen (husband Marvin Schmid); her daughter Kathryn Shields; and her son William E. Shields.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Melvin Shields; her son Roger Shields (wife Sheryl); her daughter Karen Andrews (husband Ryan Toone); her daughter-in-law Diann Shields (wife of William E. Shields); her ex-daughter-in-law Tristan Ryan Shields (mother of William Shields and Katie Woodruff); 16 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of joy and pride in her life.

A viewing will be held at The Meadow Heights Ward, located at 4310 S. 3200 W., West Valley City, UT, 84119, on December 26, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A viewing prior to the service will take place at the same location on December 27, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am.

Interment will occur at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT, 84106.

During this holiday season, in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor her memory by writing a note to a loved one and sharing the love she so freely gave.