Shirlee slipped beyond the veil January 16. In accordance to Shirlee’s wishes there was to be no funeral, only a graveside service. A small group of Shirlee’s friends gathered at the mortuary an hour before the service. Shirlee’s close friend offered the family prayer. There were no family members present, yet she was surrounded by family. Following the prayer, the former stake Relief Society presidency was together for the final time in a tender moment; God’s sweet grace filled the room. Paul’s mom, Ruth, along with Margarete and Mary Lou each kissed Shirlee goodbye and whispered to her their love in tones that surely carried into the eternities. In their final act of service, they then placed Shirlee’s temple veil on her head and arranged it just so. The mortician closed the casket and the three women withdrew in tears.
At the cemetery a larger group of around twenty five people gathered to pay their respects. Shirlee had previously selected the songs and arranged the service: The family that had caroled at her home every Christmas sang “Lord I Would Follow Thee” and “How Great Thou Art.” Ruth delivered the eulogy, a tender, heart felt, and stirring tribute to her friend. The bishop offered a few remarks and Paul dedicated the grave. All who gathered relished Shirlee’s memory and rejoiced with her at her reunification with her beloved Meno.
There was no fanfare, long orations, lengthy lists of accomplishments, just the very simple and sweet spirit of peace that comes with having rubbed shoulders with one of God’s elect.
Thank you for the update, Paul. I think some of T&S’s readers must be counted in Shirlee’s circle of family after your earlier post about an extraordinary circle of women.
Paul, thank you for sharing and for your story about these remarkable women. I feel the power of the true love of Christ after reading your posts.
Ditto, Paul. Thank you for these powerful stories.
Thanks for this, Paul. This is the gospel in action, in the lives of people who live it.
God Bless Shirlee as she transitions from this life to the next one.
thank you for sharing this, I read your previous story on Sister Shirlee. What a touching example of the true spirit of united sisterhood in how they took care of her, in serving her in so many areas. What a special reunion they will have one day.