Shirley Rees

Shirley (Gabrielson) Rees returned to our heavenly Father, on December 26th 2022, at the age of 92.  Shirley was born in Salt Lake City, UT to Ernest Bernard Gabrielson and Georgia Fotheringham Gabrielson on January 21, 1930, the first of their two children. 

Shirley grew up in Salt Lake City, UT and graduated from East High School. She then attended the University of Utah. Her education was cut short when she met  Del Rees. They married in 1950, and afterward moved to Granger Ut. There they proceeded to raise their family. Shirley eventually earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University in 1973. A remarkable achievement for a young women in the 1960s and still raising 6 children.

Literature and faith were ever present in Shirley’s life, this led to a career in education.  After 30 years of living in Utah and with the family raised, Shirley and Del left Granger, UT to make a new life in Bedford, WY. Shirley loved life in Bedford. Here she continued her teaching career as an elementary school teacher; she loved the kids and they loved her. 

 Shirley was a devoted member of the LDS church where she served in many positions.   She especially enjoyed her time serving as a church librarian.

She had a passion for genealogy research. The genealogy work led to her writing the book “Hannah Stands Tall”, which loosely portrays her great grandparents living in Southern Utah.  Becoming a published author was one of Shirley’s goals, one that combined her love of literature and education. While she always maintained that the central character Hannah, was not her, Shirley showed the same integrity, faith in God, love for family, that she was known for. 

Shirley will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is preceded  in death by her infant daughter Karen.  She is survived by her brother Gary, husband Del, her 6 children; Nick, Shaun, David, Kellie, Eric, Kim, and their spouses,  19 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held at the Bedford, WY LDS Ward House, on January 7th, 2023. The viewing will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Funeral services will commence at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  Graveside services to follow at the Bedford Cemetery.  

Following the services, the Bedford LDS Ward Relief Society will provide a luncheon at the Bedford Ward House.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the entire staff at the Star Valley Care Center in Afton, WY, for their outstanding care of Shirley.