Sharon Shirley Strong

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sharon Karleen Bennett Shirley Strong, better known as Sharon. Sharon left this world peacefully on May 17th, 2024, due to natural causes. She was surrounded by family and loved ones. Sharon was born on July 7th, 1927 in Rigby, ID on the same farmhouse kitchen table that her mother was born on, delivered by her beloved and capable grandmother Serena. This was just the beginning of her love for the farm and being surrounded by her extended family.

Sharon experienced loss early, when at the age of four, her father, Burton Kenwood Bennett, died of tuberculosis. As a single mother with a young child, her mother, Verda Margaret Bennett, took on a cosmetology career that involved travel, and moving to multiple locations, including Chicago, San Francisco and finally to Los Angeles. It was here that her relationship with her stepfather Charles Bernard Cohen began at the age of nine. He would become her loving Papa. She attended Los Angeles high school and graduated early, to start classes at UCLA, with a focus on English Literature. At the conclusion of World War II her studies were disrupted by a blind date with a handsome Marine from New York, named John Edward Shirley (Jack). They were married in the small chapel of the Chapman Park Hotel, Los Angeles, on September 14th, 1946, eventually moving to Culver City California, where they raised two boys, John and William, with the later arrival of Serena.

Sharon was a devoted wife and mother, always saying that her children were the jewels in her crown. She had an innate relationship with her Heavenly Father and spent a life of service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was a natural teacher and served in roles including Primary, Cub Scouting, and Relief Society. As Stake dance instructors, she and Jack inspired many youth with their love of dance.

Throughout her life she had a strong drive for engagement with the community. She began a long career as a librarian, starting with part time work at the local Culver City branch library, eventually leading to a full-time position with the Salt Lake County Library System. She thrived on the connections she made with her patrons and coworkers, appreciating their diversity. Her service extended to volunteering with The Utah-California Women's Club, The Utah Historical Society, local elementary schools as a reading tutor, and various community events.

In 1995, Jack was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease during which time Sharon cared for him at home, eventually leading to his admittance to the VA Hospital. From that time until his death she visited daily while continuing to work full time. Jack passed away on May 26th, 2002. Through this experience she recognized the need for support of those dealing with this horrible disease. She founded an Alzheimer's support group, where they met monthly to share their experiences and advice. Through this group she would meet her next love, Stephen Charles Strong. This marriage of fifteen years began on November, 8th, 2007. They shared a love of family, food, travel and an interest in current events. Both lives were enriched by the combining of families.

Following Steve's death in 2022, Sharon moved into Escalante at Coventry Assisted Living, where she was embraced by a loving community. She lived an extraordinary life of 96 years.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Escalante at Coventry, Jenna Barrington and staff at Aspen Health Care, and Nysje Burton social worker extraordinaire. Much love and appreciation to longtime friend and caregiver, Mary Ann Gates-Waddoups.