Shirley Jean Westwood

Born on August 6, 1927, in Grand Island, Nebraska, Shirley was the first of six children born to Lois M. (Reynolds) and Evans C. Vandegrift. She died at her home on July 24, 2026, surrounded by her family.

There were many moves in her early life to tiny hamlets and towns in Nebraska and Wyoming, but the family eventually moved to and settled in Salt Lake City in early 1944.

After graduating from East High School she attended the University of Utah, studying psychology with a minor in art, and received her degree in 1949. She married Dale Westwood on January 29, 1950, with whom she had four children–Darrell, Julie, Randall, and Jeffrey. Her family was her chief focus in life and she loved them wholeheartedly. She and Dale were married for 55 years.

She read widely and deeply and followed current events closely even into her late 90s. Her interests were broad and varied.

Though she had health difficulties herself, she took extraordinary care of her husband Dale in his years of suffering with Parkinson´s including keeping up with medical research to better assist him in his struggle.

Her family greatly valued her fierce independence of thought and enormous compassion. She was open to people and very accepting of even the most difficult, always aiming to understand those she came in contact with and especially the ones she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale, her brother Robert L. Vandegrift, and sister Lois Margaret Duncan. She is survived by her children and sisters Phyllis Farrell, Marilyn Purser, and Julia Vandegrift and many nieces and nephews. Her family wishes to thank the caregivers at Canyon Home Health and Hospice for their assistance in her final days.

Private gathering will be announced later.