Shirley B Aldous

Shirley Aldous, at the remarkable age of 97, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, in Logan, Utah leaving behind nearly a century of laughter, incredible memories, and a family that meant the world to her. A force of nature from day one, Shirley navigated life with an extraordinary blend of quick wit, feisty charm, and a magnetic warmth.

Throughout her 97 years, Shirley never quite mastered the concept of "just playing for fun." If a score was being kept, she was in it to win it. To Shirley, every game of pickleball, bingo, dominoes, bridge, bocce ball, even chair volleyball with the elderly residents of Legacy House, was a chance to connect, laugh, boss around her teammates, and—above all—claim victory. But tennis was her most beloved sport. Throughout her life, she dominated the courts, and well into her 80’s she played every single day while living at Venture Out in Arizona.

In addition to competitive games, Shirley had a passion for the outdoors, gardening, and music. She loved to hike and spend time at Scofield Reservoir. She found joy and peace in playing the piano and organ, and in tending to her roses and tomatoes. Her family loved gathering around her basement player piano for sing-along parties with her basket full of instruments. Her grandkids and great grandkids will forever treasure sleepovers and midnight snacks of toast dipped in hot chocolate, riding the “city bus,” walking to Jolley’s drugstore for a piece of candy that had to be hidden from Grandpa Don, gambling with her jar of coins, and learning how to make apricot leather and ice cream from scratch.

Shirley was proud of her career as a secretary for the Railroad Union. She appreciated the fact that she was in the minority working in what was at the time a very male-dominated environment. She had a razor-sharp memory, a wicked sense of humor, a very contagious giggle, and a gift for storytelling. She could recall events from decades past, and impressive details about the goings-on of all of her friends and family members. She also loved to concoct a scheme and try to recruit collaborators for her playful crimes.

Shirley was born on April 13, 1929, and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Growing up during the Great Depression, Shirley learned resourcefulness early on and never let anything go to waste. Life back then was full of unforgettable stories, including the time she and her siblings had their tonsils removed right on their dining room table, with anesthesia administered through a cloth-covered kitchen colander doused in ether. Her resilience was unmatched, surviving both breast and eye cancer. She would attribute her long life and health to her healthy diet consisting of Dr. Pepper, Sees candies, and girl scout cookies.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Blanche Sylvia Clark and Ferrin Julius Bosh, her loving husband Donald Kay Aldous, and her siblings Dale, Betty, and Sheldon. As she passed on, Shirley looked forward with joy to reuniting with them in heaven, along with a great number of her cherished friends and family members. She loved her friends so much and was known to think more about others than herself.

Above all her victories and adventures, Shirley’s greatest pride was her three daughters, Cheryl Droz, Shauna (Mitch) Larson, and Susan (Michael) VanRoosendaal whom she raised with the same strength, independence, and spark that defined her own life. Her heart only expanded with each passing generation, leaving behind a rich legacy that includes her sister Bonnie, 10 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her immensely.

Shirley leaves behind a world that is vastly brighter for having had her in it, a family that loved her beyond measure, a pile of 1st place medals and trophies, and endless memories carried in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.