Shirley Woodland Gurney

Shirley Woodland Gurney completed her mortal journey on December 6, 2021 to return to the embrace of loving family and friends. She was 88 years old. She was born on September 10, 1933 in Nampa, Idaho to Arthur and Elva Woodland. She was one of five children. Shirley was an Idaho girl. She spent her early years in the mining town of Atlanta. Her family later relocated to Arena Valley where her parents were farmers. Shirley graduated from Parma High School and went onto nurses training.

Shirley’s career spanned more than 40 years and included working in labor and delivery, nursing homes, and mental health units. Thousands of individuals were blessed with her care. Shirley taught her children that all those she served were children of a loving Heavenly Father and deserved kindness and respect. There were many times she would take one of her children to work with her to interact with residents of nursing homes. This act of mentoring created for her children a legacy of love for those who are in their twilight years. This legacy has now spanned multiple generations.

Shirley was independent and self-sufficient. She carved out a life for herself in spite of adverse circumstances. Shirley had a keen sense of humor. She loved the beauty of the earth. She had a knack for sewing, painting and sketching. Although quiet and private, Shirley had a profound impact on those who knew her.

Shirley is survived by siblings: Verna Merrick of Bruneau, Idaho, Hazel Biles (LeRoy) of Roseburg, Oregon, and Dennis Woodland (Paula) of Caldwell, Idaho. She is survived by children: Debbie Stutheit (Rick) of Parma, Idaho, Darren Scruggs (Diane) of Cedar Hills, Utah, and Ryan Rhead of Edwall, Washington. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and a younger sister, Yvonne Simpson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at a chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 9737 Chesterfield Drive, Cedar Hills, Utah. A viewing will be held before the funeral from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Shirley will be interred at the American Fork cemetery.