Shirley T. Oldroyd

Our beloved family matriarch, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend, Shirley Oldroyd, age, 91, of Loa, passed away September 8, 2015, at the Monroe Canyon Assisted Living Home in Monroe, Utah. Shirley was born February 26, 1924, in Fremont, Utah. She was the seventh of twelve children (eleven girls) born to Myrtle Elizabeth and Robert Allen Taylor. Shirley enjoyed growing up in Fremont, and had wonderful memories of her happy childhood. She came from a closeknit family and had a strong bond with her sisters that lasted her whole life. She learned at an early age to work hard; milking cows, helping on the farm, and helping care for younger siblings. Shirley married George Kay Oldroyd, April 3, 1944, in the Manti, LDS Temple. They lived for a short time in Idaho, but “came home to roost” and lived the rest of their lives in Loa, Utah. She was a farmer’s wife, and she embraced the role whole-heartedly. She worked hard every day making her house a home and helping on the farm. The air of her home was often filled with the wonderful scent of baking bread, rolls, or cookies. The whirr of a sewing machine could often be heard as she sewed and mended clothing for her family. She spent long hours in the kitchen cooking delicious meals for hay hauling crews, sheep sheering crews, but mostly for her family. George Kay and Shirley were blessed with five children: Robert Edwin Oldroyd, married to Fran Lester, who now reside in Central Valley, Utah. McNeil T. Oldroyd (deceased); Lynnette Oldroyd, married to Michael Lee Milne—living in Henderson, Nevada; Mary Elizabeth Oldroyd, married to Jan Ellett, living in Loa, Utah; and Kristine Kay Oldroyd, married to Jay Booth, of Boulder City, Nevada. Shirley loved her family and was totally dedicated to being a wonderful wife and mother. She and George Kay provided their children with the things that matter most; love, peace, security, the necessities of life, and a knowledge of who they are. They taught their children to work hard, believe in God, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. As an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, Shirley served as a mail carrier for over 48 years. Fondly known as “The Mail Lady,” Shirley delivered mail to all the mailboxes on a rural route that covered the road from Loa to Fremont, all the homes of Fremont, and back to Loa. In true “Shirley Oldroyd” fashion she delivered more than just mail, often putting her own messages of cheer in mailboxes on the mail route, adding stamps on people’s mail when needed, lending a helping hand if she saw a need, slipping homemade bread in the mailboxes of sick folks, hand-knit booties to homes with new babies, and heart-felt messages of congratulations, or sympathy, or whatever the occasion called for. Shirley was a Latter-day Saint in the truest sense of the word. She loved her Heavenly Father and served Him faithfully all the days of her life. She supported her husband as he served as a bishop’s counselor and bishop for many years. She served in many callings in the church, including three missions to: Carthage, Illinois; Cove Fort, and Salt Lake City. She loved going to the temple and made weekly trips to the temple for years. She was dedicated to righteous living, and brought her children up in light and truth. Shirley enjoyed gardening, canning, and raising beautiful flowers. She loved traveling to other countries and sites of interest. She was a talented seamstress and gifted at knitting and rug braiding. She blessed many people’s lives with special hand-made gifts. She taught herself to type, and sent numerous typed letters and e-mails to loved ones. Shirley’s life was centered in loving, caring, and giving of herself. She lived a life of service to her God and fellowman. All within her circle of influence felt of her love and were touched by her example. She will be greatly missed. She was proceeded in death by her husband, George Kay Oldroyd; a son, McNeil T. Oldroyd; her parents, Myrtle and Robert Taylor; her sisters: Thora Kammeyer, Alta Albrecht, Myrtle Elizabeth Taylor, Marjorie Ainsworth, Anna Taylor, Louisa Ruth Taylor, Rula Turner, NaDean Hatch; and a brother, Allen Taylor. She is survived by her sisters, Betty Anderson of Salt Lake City; and Roberta Hooper of Richfield; a sister-in-law, Louise Taylor, of West Valley City. She is also survived by her four children, their spouses, 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held, Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the Loa LDS Stake Center. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the stake center in Loa, Thursday morning from 11:00 to 12:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Loa Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.