Shirley Maxine Gardner

She was born to Orville Charles Call and Inez Christensen Call and grew up on Goose Lake Ranch in Henry, Idaho. Her parents owned a small store and, for many years, she and her brother witnessed their parents work together to help those in their community, even when it required significant personal sacrifice on their part. It was there that she learned hard work, good citizenry, and generosity of self—values she maintained throughout her life.

Shirley was talented in a variety of ways but, in particular, she was blessed with the gift of music. From a young age she could sing like a nightingale, with a particular affinity for opera. Her love of music never left her as evidenced by her beginning piano lessons in her mid-seventies. Even as the sun began to set on Shirley’s life, she insisted on listening to her favorite pieces which she kept close by her bedside.

But Shirley’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was a “boy mom” and happy to be so. It takes a particular kind of woman to meet the challenges associated with raising a house full of boys but Shirley always rose to the occasion. What she lacked in stature, she more than made up for in spirit. She was tiny, but mighty—which no one ever doubted.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by one brother, Dean (Phyllis); four sons, Jeff, Scott (Cheryl), Cameron (Marene), and Paul; as well as seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Amber, Josh, Shannon, Dustin, Nick, and Wyatt; and three great grandchildren, Ben, Penelope, and Evelyn.

On the occasion of Shirley‘s 90th birthday, her family gathered to celebrate this remarkable woman. Her children and grandchildren took turns describing her as “bold”, “fun”, “fancy”, “enduring”, “understanding”, and “game for anything”. When asked what was the single most important piece of advice she wished to leave her family, she said, simply, “Love one another.”

Shirley, we love you. We are so grateful for every minute we got to spend as your children and grandchildren. The world is a little dimmer without you in it and we will miss you every single day until we meet again.

Graveside services will be held Monday, April 24th at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.