Shirley Sue Scown

October 10, 1930 - June 18, 2026

I, Shirley Sue Scown, being of sound mind (although my children may question that), and of an age that's seeing many of my friends leaving this place, I've decided the time has come to write my obituary.  This way I can be sure that the facts are reported correctly, (or embellished as I choose), and possibly save my loved ones at least one small chore at my passing.  So just the facts, Ma'am.

Shirley Sue Scown was born in Tucson, Arizona to Elton R. and Lois R. Smith.  And passed way in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 18, 2026.

The Smith family lived in Arizona, Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah.  During World War II, Shirley, her mother, brother, Russell and sister, Linda lived in Jacksonville, Texas with their grandparents, while their father, an army Major, served overseas. After the war, the family returned to Salt Lake City, where Shirley attended South High School, and briefly the University of Utah.

Shirley went to work for United Airlines where she met her husband and beloved life partner, Norman DeMile Scown.  Norm and Shirley were married in 1949.  Shortly after the birth of the oldest son, David, they moved to Lehi, Utah.  Norm continued to work for United Airlines as well as working with the family hay and cattle business.  They built their home close to Utah Lake and welcomed two more children, Michael and Catherine.

Shirley and Norman were active in the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary and were both lifetime members.  Shirley was also a longtime member of the TOPS organization, was a past TOPS State Queen and held many other awards.  She treasured her many close TOPS friends and traveled to many TOPS International Conventions with them.

The Scown family spent many summer years building and enjoying their cabin in Scofield Reservoir where family and friends joined them.

After Norm's retirement they traveled and trailered every winter to warmer areas and made many good friends.

In 1998, after fifty years in their Lehi home, they moved to their condo in Salt Lake City.  In 2007 Norm, the love of her life passed away after 58 years of marriage.

Shirley is survived by her children David and Michael, and her grandson, Simon Scown, as well as her adopted daughters and friends, Jan Bateman and Susan Sundstrom.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her brother, Russell and his wife, Maureen, her sister, Linda (Stauffer) and her husband, Joe, and her daughter Cathy.

There will be a celebration of her life at the Old Farm recreation center on her 96th birthday, October 6, 2026, between 3 to 5 p.m.

The family would like to thank Symbii Hospice and Cottonwood Creek Assisted Living for the love and care they showed for Shirley during the last several months of her life.

YOU THAT HAVE KNOWN ME KNOW THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED A SAD FUNERAL TO SAY GOODBYE.  SO MOURN ME NOT, FOR I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU.  LOVE DOE NOT DIE.  IT STAYS ALWAYS IN YOUR HEART.  REMEMBER THE LOVE AND THE HAPPY TIMES AND KNOW THAT I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE YOU IN MY LIFE.

ALL MY LOVE,

MOM, SISTER, FRIEND