Shirley Dean Gentry Burgess

Shirley Dean Gentry Burgess, age 82, returned home to her Heavenly Father on November 17, 2016 after enduring a long struggle with dementia and other health problems. Shirley was born August 25, 1934 in Price, Utah to Berniadine Owen Gentry and John O. Gentry. Shirley grew up in Hiawatha, Utah and was proud to be a coal miner's daughter. She married the love of her life, William (Bill) Garth Burgess on January 28, 1954 and later solemnizing their marriage in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Salt Lake City Avenues in 1960 making it their home for many years until relocating to South Jordan, UT in 1995. What Shirley enjoyed most in life was spending time with her sweetheart and family. She and her husband Bill were constant companions. They enjoyed traveling on their motorcycle, visiting all but four US states. They also loved camping in their trailer and spent many winters together in Arizona. Shirley will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She also had a special love of animals, even if they were not her own. She loved life and all that it had to offer. Shirley is survived by her devoted daughter, VaLair Rupp; and loving son-in-law Laurie Rupp; three grandchildren: Burkeley (Kate) Rupp, Carson (Bryan) Stott, Brooklyn (Taylor) Laybourne; seven great-grandchildren: Connor Rupp, Parker Stott, Reagan Stott, Boston Stott, Staten Laybourne, Hudson Laybournce and Bronx Laybourne; brother-in-law Jay (Barbara) Martino; sisters-in-law: Myrna (Don) Wallace and Ruth Burgess. Preceded in death by her parents John and Berniadine Gentry; husband William Burgess; and sister, Donna Martino. Shirley's family is thankful for the example that she was to them and grateful for the plan of salvation and the knowledge that she has been reunited with her dear sweetheart "Billy". The family is appreciative of the loving care Shirley received from the staff at Carrington Court and the tender care provided by Inspiration Hospice. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 21, 2016, 12:00 noon at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, where a viewing will be held from 10:30-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Humane Society of Utah, P.O. Box 573659, Murray, UT 84157-3659. Place of Birth:Price, UtahPlace of Death:South Jordan, Utah