Shirley Ann Bingham Hart

Shirley Ann Bingham Hart peacefully passed away in her home after a life filled with laughter, service, and a whole lot of Yahtzee. Born February 10, 1939, in Ogden, Utah, to Delos Eugene Bingham and Marcia Regina Slater; she loved her parents fiercely. Shirley was raised in Marriott-Slaterville, the spirited third child in a lively home of six—one boy and five girls—where her tomboy streak ran strong and never fully wore off.

She married the love of her life, Darrell Henry Hart, in the Salt Lake Temple on September 18, 1959. Together they built a joyful, loving home and raised a family. Just when their three teenage daughters thought they had the house to themselves, along came a baby brother—Shirley’s unexpected encore. They spent early years in Michigan and Pennsylvania—where Darrell earned his PhD and taught at Penn State—before planting roots in East Millcreek, Utah, where Shirley would live and love for the next 59 years.

Shirley’s life was anchored in her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She trusted Him completely and lived with quiet obedience, contagious optimism, and a deep sense of purpose. Her belief in God’s goodness and plan shaped every act of service, every family tradition, and every quilt she tied. Even in times of trial, she chose joy. Her testimony wasn’t something she merely spoke—it was woven into the way she loved, laughed, and lifted those around her.

Shirley made a joyful art of everyday life. She baked by feel, sewed with soul, and laughed loudly—especially at herself! She was a crossword puzzle queen, a fierce competitor in family Yahtzee matches, and a faithful viewer of The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. She found happiness in simple pleasures—Farr’s Ice Cream, black licorice, chocolate cake with cold peaches, and a good deal at TJ Maxx. And if you were lucky enough to be rocked in her chair while she sang you a lullaby, you knew what it felt like to be completely safe and wholly loved.

She was happiest at her home or cabin in Oakley, Utah, surrounded by her growing family on Independence Day or New Year’s—holidays she turned into magic with songs, games, and bottomless treats. She cherished family camping trips to Greys River and Lake Powell, and nothing delighted her more than playing a harmless prank, or delivering the perfect one-liner at just the right time.

Shirley served tirelessly in her church community in the primary and young women’s organizations, and especially in Relief Society as compassionate service leader, showing up with food, hugs, and humor for families in need. With Darrell, she also served two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—one in the Salt Lake Inner City and one as Conference Center hosts. Even as she battled vascular dementia in her final years, she never stopped worrying about everyone else's comfort or cracking a well-timed joke.

She is survived by Darrell, her four children, Lori (Scott) Hilton, Jana (Brent) Koch, Jillaire (Clayton) Page, and Jay (Arrion) Hart. 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, as well as her sisters Jean, Marjean, and Anita (Roger). She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Ron, and sisters Marilyn and Diane. We take comfort in knowing she can finally hear clearly again—after 60+ years of hearing loss, heaven must sound amazing.

If you knew Shirley, chances are she made you feel like family. She stood on the porch and waved every time someone drove away. And she ended every call with the same message we now echo back to her: Love ya, love ya, love ya.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Neff’s Canyon Ward, 4176 Adonis Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84124. Viewings will take place at the same location on Tuesday, July 1 from 6:00–8:00 PM and Wednesday, July 2 from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM.

Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106.

Livestream available at: https://zoom.us/j/98769772185?pwd=k8JZKs9TLczen7TIGWozt6N9VwP5YR.1