Shirley Jean Wagner

Our loving, fun, and creative mother, Shirley Jean Wagner, who longed to be reunited with her eternal companion, Bob, peacefully returned to her Heavenly home on November 22, 2024. Shirley was born in Ogden, Utah, on October 8, 1931, to Clarence Humphreys Wilcox and Sina Cora Nielsen. Shirley was one of five children: Marion, Clarence Wayne, Shirley Jean, Dean Alvin, and Cora Ruth. Due to her father's declining health, Shirley's family lived a very challenging, and humble lifestyle. After her father passed away when she was just eleven, Shirley's mom, Sina, pulled her out of school to help raise her younger siblings, becoming a caretaker and homemaker from a young age.

Shirley met the love of her life, Robert Ellis Wagner, after he returned from his service in the Army. They were married on September 10, 1949, in Ogden, Utah, and soon moved to California to raise their four children: Robert Paul, James Craig, Rodney Ellis, and Melanie Jean. Sadly, their beloved son Paul was taken from them at the tender age of two, but his memory lived on in their hearts, a constant reminder of their enduring love. Shirley wasn’t just a mother to her own children; she opened her heart to many, and numerous friends, neighbors, and extended family members considered her a second mom.

Mom was the heart of our home, and her love for our father, Bob, was evident in everything she did. He would often return from work to find her joyfully sharing her latest projects, whether it was preparing a family meal, planning a gathering, or simply brightening someone's day. Shirley had a gift for making others feel loved and appreciated. As children, we were proud when our elementary school teachers eagerly fought to have us in their classrooms—not because we were the brightest students, but because they wanted our mom to be their room mother!

A woman of incredible talent, Shirley excelled in anything she set her mind to. From running her own wedding cake decorating business and a flower shop to pursuing her passion for painting beautiful landscapes, she was a true artist in every sense of the word. Later in life, after selling their home in California, she and Bob served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. They then enjoyed traveling across the country in their RV, making cherished memories. Eventually, they settled in Mantua, Utah, where they built a home filled with love.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; their son, Paul; both of her parents; and all of her siblings. She is survived by her children, Craig (Gioanne) Wagner, Rod (Sue) Wagner, and Melanie (David) Christy, along with 8 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

A viewing will be held at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 S 100 E, Logan, Utah, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:30 am, with funeral services to follow at 12:00 pm. We invite all who loved her to join us in celebrating her life. Please wear something PINK, her favorite color, as we honor the beautiful, vibrant woman she was. The interment will be in the Hooper City Cemetery.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Maple Springs of North Logan Memory Care, and the many friends and neighbors who supported Mom in her later years. Her life was a testimony of love, kindness, and selflessness, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Shirley's service can be viewed via Zoom at: CLICK HERE TO WATCH SERVICE VIA ZOOM