We remain available 24/7 to serve families. Call (480) 964-8686 to learn more.

Shirley Yvonne Vest

11/24/1936 - 12/05/2014
Service Date: 12/15/2014
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elmwood Ward, 925 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, Arizona

Shirley Yvonne Vest was born on November 24, 1936, in Moorehead, Kentucky. Sadly she passed away on December 6, 2014, peacefully in her sleep.  She is survived by:

Sisters: Geneva Hayes, Ruth Rowlett, Julie Bielki, Mary Jo Koehler, Millie Ledbetter

Husband: Larry D. Vest

Children: Raymond W. Turner, Shelly Y. Lucas, Rodney Vest, Jasmine Vest

Grandchildren: Zack Turner, Kelsey Turner, Erin Turner, Bryan Lucas, Robert L. Lucas (deceased at 22 yrs. old)

Great Grandchildren: Caden Turner, Elle Rose Turner, Tammbra Smith, Desmond G. Brown

Shirley had a total of 11 brothers and sisters.

She was buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, 85024.

Shirley was raised during the “Great Depression.” Both of her parents were licensed ministers. Her mother loved gardening, canning, cooking and sewing, which her daughter took up as well. Shirley was a wonderful seamstress, making clothes for her family. She learned to upholstery, reinvented many sofas, chairs, etc.  It took many years to convince Shirley that instant cake mixes were good and a whole lot easier. When her husband became diabetic, she stepped up to the plate and helped him control it by diet alone, which consisted of fresh steamed vegetables, fresh healthy bread and muffins. Shirley learned how to make homemade peanut butter and yogurt. She definitely picked up her mother’s love of cooking as well.

Shirley taught Ballroom Dancing Classes. She had the patience to sew Barbie clothes; she crocheted many different items from blankets to angels and flowers. When Shirley and Shelly started canning jams and jellies, we took turns stirring the hot, boiling fruit for over an hour and later learned that Pectin thickens the fruit almost instantly. We had such a good laugh.

She held jobs such as cashier, waitress, and bartender and in her later years, temple worker in her church. She lived in Kentucky, Ohio, England, Wyoming and Arizona. At the age of 28 years old, she became very sick with mono and then arthritis, which changed her life forever. She now had many challenges of dealing with this disease and the pain associated with it. Shirley loved animals, she always had a dog in her home. She married at the age of 15 with her parents’ permission.  She had two children and divorced in 1968. Shirley married Larry D. Vest in 1977.

When you entered her home she always made you feel welcome and tried to feed you, hungry or not, she wanted to share with you. She treasured her family, their reunions and the kids always touched her heart. Shirley loved to read and learn through classes in tailoring, yoga, belly dancing for exercise and dough art. She was a Softball Coach and a Girl Scout Leader. She loved gardening, decorating and remodeling her home(s).

Shirley would always try to help others anyway she could.  In her final days, her kidneys were failing and she came down with dementia. She suffered horrible pain. As much as we loved her and will miss her always…. we are glad she is no longer suffering so badly. We feel she will be an angel watching over her family, until we meet again. With great love, respect, rest in peace Shirley, Mother, Wife, Sister, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend…… your loving family.

 

Condolences

  • Millie Ledbetter

    My dear sister part of me died with you. You were and are one of the biggest blessings of my life. My love for you will never die, we were kindred souls as we always agreed. As long as I live you will be in my mind and heart. And when we meat again in heaven, it will be the happiest reunion of them all.
    Until we meet again dear sister, Millie.

  • Kenneth Rowlett

    Growing up I always loved and respect my Aunt Shirley.

  • Lainie Bakri (Millie Elaine)

    I will always think of Aunt Shirley with love-she was a wonderful lady, sister, daughter, wife, mother and Aunt-I remember her positive/loving influence on my life as a young person-she went out of her way to make me feel loved and valued. I love you Aunt Shirley-I will see you one find day! Shelly you did wonderful in remembering your mom! I love both you and Ray very much! Uncle Larry take care of yourself!

  • Mary Jo Koehler

    Shirley was my beloved big sister. She was my hero and my mentor. She will be forever missed. We will all cherish forever all of our wonderful memories of her. We also find peace and consolation knowing that she is at home again now with Mom and Dad and all of our beloved sisters and brothers in heaven. My love and prayers go out to Shelley,Ray and Larry and all of their family. It is so hard to say goodby to the ones we love so much. So I will say “Until we meet again, dear sister, on that other shore. I love you.”

  • Millie Ledbetter

    It is now February 16, 2015, I can’t say they pain of losing you is easier I just force myself not to dwell on my grief. Talking to Larry and the children seems to help, they are part of you. My heart is at peace with the knowledge that you are indeed in heaven. But your place in my heart will never be filled until we meet again. Love forever Millie

  • Millie Ledbetter

    Well it is now March, and I still feel your presence, not all the time, but on occasion. Today I was thinking about my last visit with you, just before you died. We were talking, and you told me Millie you say, “you know” to much, you should work on that, it is not good diction. You were so serious, I loved that in you. Miss you always will. But the memories are a great help. Love you sister of mine, always

  • Uncle Larry my condolences.

  • To Mrs. Vest’s family, I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s my hope that you can draw comfort and strength from Jehovah God’s promises in the Bible. Revelation 21: 3, 4 and John 5: 28, 29 promise that there will soon be a time when there will be no more pain, sickness, or death, and we can see the loved ones we have lost again. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Add Condolence

Call Now Button
We remain family owned, unlike our competitors. Click to learn more.