Shirley Strong

Shirley lived in Ogden until the age of twelve when her family moved to Salt Lake. She always remembered her childhood as one of the happiest times of her life and said that she much preferred Ogden to Salt Lake. She graduated from West High School and then worked at Pacific Intermountain Express until her marriage to Reid Strong, her high school sweetheart, on November 26, 1945.

Shirley’s focus was always on her family and home. She was a loving daughter who took care of her parents until they died at the ages of 92 and 96. She loved and supported her husband Reid throughout their 50 years of marriage, especially during the last few years of his life when he was dealing with serious health issues. She was an unswerving advocate for her children and adored her seven grandsons and nine great-grandchildren. She attended school plays, concerts, sporting events and any other occasions where one of her children or grandchildren were performing. She loved nothing better than to have her family together and lamented that we all did not live in Salt Lake, so she could see us more. Our last family reunion was in Park City for her 90th birthday where she got her wish to be with all of us.

In her 50’s, Shirley went to work for the Salt Lake County Human Resources Department and remained there until she retired at 74. She loved everything about working for the county but was most proud of helping people who were having a difficult time applying for and getting a job. She felt she had made a positive difference in the lives of the people she met.

Shirley’s greatest interests in life after her family and her job were reading and traveling. She read the newspaper from cover to cover every day and was never without a book. She didn’t like to buy books but preferred going to the library so that she could walk up and down the aisles looking at all the possibilities. Her favorite genre was historical romance novels especially those set in Europe. While she and Reid traveled throughout the United States, the trips that she liked best were those to Europe. Reid won a trip through his work to Monaco and southern Italy and France. She had a fantastic time and was hooked on international travel. She also talked for years about the trip they took to England, Scotland and Wales. Reid loved to go on cruises, so they went on many, including one through the Panama Canal. For their 50th wedding anniversary the whole family went on a cruise to the Bahamas to celebrate. It was an unforgettable experience.

Shirley will be remembered by friends and family for her strength of character, her devotion to her family and her love of life.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Cheryl Kaas and sons Dan Strong and Richard Strong (Sheila); her seven grandsons, Erik Kaas (Rachel), Brian Kaas, Scott Strong (Lindsay), Daniel Strong (Camilla), Adam Strong (Lindsay), David Strong, Sam Strong; and her nine great- grandchildren.

Her parents, her sisters Dee Schierman and Edna Thomas, her brother Dan Thomas and her beloved husband Reid Strong preceded her in death.

A memorial service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held at 2:00 PM May 16, 2018 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends and family may stay for a reception after the internment. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Aplastic Anemia Trust or a charity of your choice.