Shirley Jean Ewing

Shirley Jean Ewing (94) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday June 1, 2025, in Bountiful, Utah, after spending the evening surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy woven with love, laughter, and faith.

Shirley was born May 18, 1931, in beautiful Pocatello, Idaho to William Edgley Owens and Elsie Amelia Sjostrom Owens. She was the fourth of six children. She grew up in Pocatello, Idaho, and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1949. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband's Jay Dykman and Norman Ewing, her parents and all five of her siblings.

In 1953 Shirley married Jay Smith Dykman in Elko, Nevada. Jay and Shirley welcomed three children, all boys; Gary (Renate) from Westminster, Colorado, Kevin (Michelle) from Las Vegas, Nevada, and Curtis (deceased). Shirley was a tireless advocate for individuals with special needs and provided loving care for her son Curtis until his untimely passing at the age of thirty-nine. Shirley devoted her life to raising her children and was delighted when she was blessed with two grandchildren, Erika and Ryan. Jay and Shirley divorced, and Shirley married Norman A. Ewing (deceased). Shirley cared for Norman during his later years as he suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. She never complained and provided a loving, caring home for both Norman and Curtis.

As a single mom with three young boys to support, Shirley worked as a Bookkeeper for C.I.T. Financial Services. She was recognized with several service awards during her twenty-year tenure. After her career with C.I.T. Financial Services, Shirley was employed at Sweet Creations in Bountiful, Utah where she would package molds for shipping from her home. Her bosses and coworkers were family to Shirley and the relationships forged during her career lasted until her passing. Throughout her long life, she epitomized the spirit of hard work and perseverance.

Those who knew Shirley will remember a beautiful person, a loving mother and great friend who was adored by her family and many friends. She was a woman of faith with a deep love for her church. She was an avid reader and would read the scriptures daily. She had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor, and she loved to give, and receive, funny birthday cards. She would often share humorous memes on social media and then call her friends and family to laugh about them. She enjoyed going to the Senior Center, playing Bingo and other games on her Kindle. She spent many hours visiting with her large group of friends. She was always thinking of others and she was particularly happy when she was with "her boys". She was a lifetime fan of Engelbert Humperdinck and saw him in concert many times. Shirley was obsessed with chocolate (dark chocolate, please!) and loved Mrs. Cavanaugh’s mindy-mints.

On Saturday, June 7, the Celebration of Life services will be conducted at the Bountiful 26th Ward. The church is located at 200 North and 200 West, Bountiful, Utah 84010, where Shirley was an active long-time member. The family will receive friends at a viewing at 10 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Graveside services will follow at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 Lakeview Dr, Bountiful, Utah 84010.

Shirley was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Special Olympics.