Shirley Martin Strader

Shirley Martin Strader (85) died on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, UT after complications following a fall and hip fracture. 

Shirley was born in Ogden, UT to Viola Paice and James Andrew Martin. She was the third of four children. After graduating from Ogden High School, Shirley married Roy Quinton in 1958, with whom she had a son, Randy Shane. Shirley and Roy later divorced. In July 1964, Shirley married John D. Strader, who adopted Randy. They remained married for 58 years, until John’s death in 2023. Over the years, Shirley and John had many adventures, including hosting refugee families from Vietnam and Laos, and traveling to Alaska, New Zealand, and Hawaii. 

Shirley dedicated much of her life to the healthcare industry. She first worked in administration and admitting, but later became a licensed practical nurse. She worked at University of Utah Hospital, mainly performing non-stress tests on expecting mothers. She thrived in an ever-changing industry, and loved to follow the latest in medical advances and hearing about medical oddities, even long after retirement. 

Shirley was a straight-shooter who never apologized for her opinion or avoided a controversial topic. A feminist to the end, she was sharp, witty, and loved to banter. She was passionate about staying up with both current political events and the latest series on TLC. In her spare time, Shirley loved to read, garden, and be creative. She was a talented artist, mainly featuring animals and nature in oil, acrylic, and stained glass. She loved Barack Obama, Arthur Hailey novels, Jr. Whoppers, caramel frappucinos, Lays potato chips, and limited edition buttered-popcorn-flavored DumDums. Shirley also loved a good prank (you’ve probably heard about the time she stuffed a turkey with a Cornish hen). Most of all, Shirley loved her grandchildren: Randy, Angela, and Tony. They will forever be grateful to her for creating a safe refuge for the three of them, where their friends, partners, and families were always welcome. 

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two older siblings, Clemence and Anne. Shirley is survived by her son, Randy Shane Strader (Aladdin, WY); three grandchildren: Randy John Strader (Stephanie; West Valley, UT), Angela Danielle Stonebraker (Lennon; Syracuse, UT), Anthony James Strader (Talissa Fonseca; Herriman, UT); six great-grandchildren: Baylee, Logan, Hunter, Cooper, Crew, and Eleanor; a sister-in-law, Kathy Martin; and her beloved younger sister, Sheryl Martin. 

The family would like to thank Visiting Angels, especially Kim and Aurelia, in conjunction with Canyon Home Care and Hospice, specifically Renee and Carolee, for their love and care for Shirley over the last few months. The family would also like to thank Kendall Brigman and Nancy Andersen for the gift of their friendship; Shirley could not have asked for better friends or neighbors. 

Cremation services for Shirley are being provided by Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery in West Jordan, UT. There will not be a public viewing or memorial service.