Shirley Anne (Kesler) Thompson

Shirley Anne Kesler Thompson, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully Feb 21 surrounded by loved ones.

Born October 3, 1923 in Washington DC to Maida Peterson and Merle Kesler, she graduated from South High School and for a short­ time, attended LDS Business College. When World War II began, she ended her collegiate studies and joined the "Rosie the Riveter" movement by working at the Salt Lake City arms plant as a thirty-and­ fifty-caliber bullets inspector.

Prior to the war's outbreak, she met Jack Corwin Thompson at a dance at Saltair. He joined the Army Air Corp soon after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Following his military training, they were married on December 9, 1942 (marriage later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple). They raised their family in Salt Lake, several years of which were spent happily in their house on Brockbank Dr.

Shirley learned how to play the piano at a young age and loved to tickle the ol' ivories whenever the opportunity presented itself, which included faithfully serving in callings that came through her membership in the LDS Church. She was an avid book lover and for many years, annually enjoyed reading "The Robe" at Easter. Shirley likewise loved learning about the lives of the prophets of the church. She loved to memorize poems like "The Gettysburg Address." She also adored watching old movies, playing Pinochle, going to plays and eating chocolate!

She spent her remaining years residing in what was affectionately termed "Grandmother's Cottage"  until  moving  to  Sunrise  Facility in Sandy, UT where she received extraordinary care for the last few months. The family would like to express their profound appreciation to the Sunrise staff and Summit Home Health & Hospice.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Gregg, husband Jack and grandsons Michael Gary Thompson, Benjamin Park, Denver Snarr, and great grandson Teagan Charles. She is survived by sons Gary and Christopher (Terri) and daughters Jann Elieson (Eric), April Snarr (Dan) and Spring Park (Stewart), 15 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren with another one due this spring.

While we are saddened at her passing, Shirley lived a long full life and we know that there are many happy reunions occurring on the other side at this time.

A viewing will be held Wednesday 6-8 pm at Holbrook Mortuary 2300 East 3251 South, SLC followed by a graveside service Thursday 11 am at Sandy City Cemetery.