Shirley Marie Crawford Bell

Shirley Marie Crawford Bell, 97, passed away on April 3, 2026, in South Jordan, Utah. She was born on October 25, 1928, in Englewood, Colorado, and though she lived in sixteen different places throughout her life, her heart always returned to Laramie, Wyoming, and Nampa, Idaho — the places she called home.

Shirley married Robert Lee Bell in 1946 while he was attending the University of Wyoming. She worked in the town drug store until she became a mother. Robert was later recalled to active duty during the Korean War. The four of them lived the adventure of military life for the next 22 years, moving from place to place, adapting to new communities, and building a sense of home wherever they were stationed. She was married to Robert for 64 years and was a widow for sixteen years.

Throughout her life, Shirley served in many capacities — as a mother, beautician, waitress, bank clerk, antique shop owner, candle distributor, faithful church member and volunteer, civics volunteer, and community worker. A highlight of her life was graduating with a BA from Boise State College in 1975. Learning and service were pursuits she followed throughout her life.

Shirley had two great passions in addition to her family: church service and civic involvement. She was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. After their years in the military, she became deeply involved in community service. In Nampa, she served as President of the Canyon County Republican Women, helping organize service projects, scholarships, and major community events — including bringing the Moving Vietnam Wall to Nampa.

As a widow, Shirley remained active and engaged. She loved her friends and going to the gym with them, and attending the temple and other activities were very special to her. She volunteered in senior centers wherever she lived and served on the planning committee at the Nampa senior center. She continued to learn throughout her life, taking classes on any subject that sparked her interest. One of her greatest passions was family history. She created numerous volumes of personal journals and family stories, preserving family memories.

Shirley lived with a spirit that never dimmed. She was never tired — always ready for the next project, the next conversation, the next chance to help. She carried a spunky, lively energy that made her unforgettable — a spark that stayed with her all her days. The pillars of her life were clear and unwavering: her family, her children, her church, and her country.

Shirley is survived by her two sons, Robert Lyle Bell and Stephen Charles Bell, along with 19 grandchildren, 65 great‑grandchildren, and 10 great‑great‑grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Franklin Crawford and Marie Ellen Welch, and her siblings, Pauline Ellen Crawford Hopkins and Charles Franklin Crawford.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, located at 3407 West 9625 South, South Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will follow on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Laramie, Wyoming.