Shirley Joy Whited Roberts

Our dear mother, Shirley Joy Whited Roberts, peacefully returned to her Father in Heaven just two months shy of her 95th birthday on June 6, 2026 at her home in Sandy, Utah.

She was born to Charles and Gerta Whited in Providence, Utah on August 11,1931. Shirley lived her childhood years in the old mining town of Bingham and later moved to Murray and then Midvale. She attended Murray Jr. High and Jordan High School where she was known by her friends as a “swell gal.”

She married her sweetheart, LaMar Frank Roberts, on April 28,1950. They made their home in Sandy, and worked hard to raise a family of nine children. December 1, 1961 was an extra special day when they were all sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Mom was a great lady, as sweet as the day is long. She was an angel here on earth! She was a supportive mom, grandmother, and aunt, so kind and loving. She always had a listening ear and a beautiful smile, encouraging words and a warm hug to brighten your day.

She cherished her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had a deep love for our Savior. She was an example and anchor of faith to her family and friends. She served in many callings as a teacher and leader in Primary, Cub Scouts, Youth Programs, and Relief Society. She spent countless hours involved in FamilySearch records extraction and participated in indexing hundreds of thousands of names.

Mom loved square dancing, gardening, homemaking. She had many jobs to help support her family and retired as an architectural administrative assistant. She stood alongside LaMar through all their time together and as he navigated his way through health challenges and cancer treatments. He passed away in 1995.

Shirley dealt with her own challenges of progressive MS with courage and grace, never complaining and always focusing on others, making them feel special. She lived her life with an attitude of gratitude and not even the wheelchair could stop or keep her down. She loved giving gifts at Christmas, attending special events for her grandchildren, having picnics in her back yard, and going to family reunions with cousins.

Survived and will be missed by her children Robyn and Gaylan Buckley, Joylyn and John Schacht, Karla Roberts, Lori McKenzie, Cary and Cherrie Roberts, Ricky and Mary Roberts, Tracy Roberts, Jana and Steve Eliason, 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who adored her. Also survived by sisters-in-law Vivian Whited, Nancy Erickson, and Barbara Wilcox.

Preceded in death and welcomed by her husband, parents, brothers Bob and Bruce Whited, oldest son Randy Roberts, and grandson Michael Roberts.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 11th at 1:00 p.m. in the LDS Chapel on 1492 East 8600 South, Sandy, Utah. Friends may call Wednesday, June 10th from 6:00-8:00p.m. at the same location and from 12:00-12:45 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Garden, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy.