Shirley Johnson Thorn

The world lost a kind and gentle soul on May 18, 2015, as Shirley Johnson Thorn left this life to join her eternal companion, Blaine, after a 10 year separation. To say she will be greatly missed is a huge understatement. Shirley was a fun, compassionate, hard working woman, especially known for her kindness and sweet nature. She was a friend to all she met and enjoyed many lifelong friendships.

Shirley was born in Mapleton, Utah on April 15, 1926, to Anthon Parley and Margaret Estelle Thomas Johnson, the eighth of nine children. She grew up on the family farm where she worked and played alongside her parents, brothers and sisters. She learned to work hard on the farm, and maintained that work ethic all her life. She sincerely enjoyed life on the farm. Her children, grandchildren and great­-grandchildren love the stories she has shared of her years on the farm and at her father's sheep camp.

Shirley attended schools in Mapleton and Springville. She graduated from Springville High School and attended Brigham Young University. She met her husband Blaine as a teenager, and their romance blossomed as they served together on the student council at Springville High. They were married on September 9, 1946 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together Shirley and Blaine raised six children. Their family has since grown to number 63 people, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and those who have married into the family. The family remains close today, thanks in large part to the unconditional love constantly shown by Shirley to all family members. She was a wonderful cook, famous for her perfect pies, and was an accomplished seamstress. She also enjoyed traveling, reading, playing games and gardening.

Shirley was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints. She served faithfully in many positions, including as a missionary with her husband in San Diego. She especially enjoyed her service as a visiting teacher and was always ready to serve whenever and wherever she was needed.

Shirley is survived by her children and their families - Patricia and Gary Ellis of Mapleton; Randy and Janet Thorn of Alpine; Brent Thorn and Peter Phan of San Francisco; Craig and Sarah Thorn of Washington, D.C.; Jenette and Don Swain of Springville; and Brian and Lynette Thorn of Salt Lake City. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and her brother Alan (Susan) Johnson of Spanish Fork. She was preceded in death by her husband Blaine; her parents; four sisters, Lucille Childs, Bernice Everett, Lois Swenson, and Margaret Johnson; and three brothers, Ted, Roy, and Ronald Johnson.

Shirley remained sweet and loving to the end of her life. She kept an optimistic, happy attitude even as her health failed through a series of debilitating strokes. She continued to support and strengthen family members, friends, and care givers during her final illness. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Latter Days Assisted Living for their kind and compassionate care over the past eighteen months.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday May 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Springville Stake Center (245 S 600 E, Springville). Friends are invited to attend a viewing at the Wheeler Mortuary (211 E 200 S, Springville) Monday May 25 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., or at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

Condolences can be expressed or memories shared at www.wheelermortuaries.com. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Primary Children's Medical Center.