Shirley Ann Crawford

Shirley Ann Crawford was a larger-than-life, “firecracker” personality. You always knew where you stood with her: good, bad or ugly. She was a food connoisseur/critic. Her favorite questions were: “Where did you eat?”; “What did you order?”; “How did you like it?”. If you ever ate out with her, let’s just say, you’ll never forget the experience. 

Shirley was born (2/6/41) & raised in SLC, UT to Nephi & Margaret Johanson.  Shirley was a hard worker, starting her first job at just 10.  She graduated Granite High ‘59 & moved to Albuquerque, NM, then to Southern CA., where she met the love of her life, William Crawford (c. ’69).   

She was a phenomenal cook & spent hours creating elaborate meals. She enjoyed the game of getting you to try diverse foods; she would practically shove them in your face if not your mouth, while staring intently to see your reaction. 

She gave her heart & soul to being an incredible mother & grandmother. She spent countless hours driving Chris & Nancy to lessons, soccer, baseball, golf, ballet, piano, & camps. Recently when asked if all the attempts to extend her life were worth it, she declared: “I am not afraid to die, I just want to take care of my children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.”

She was extremely competitive, aggressive & assertive. Her “bible” was the National Enquirer. Her “religious leader” was Judge Judy! She thrived on the latest gossip, juicy articles, scandals, reality TV, & closely followed the Royal Family. She was a voracious reader. Obituaries were her weekly ritual along with books, newspapers, financial publications & consumer reports. 

She was feisty & extremely skilled at holding a grudge. You didn’t want to make her S**t List. She had the memory of an elephant – wrong her & she never forgot. She had the unique gift of “BS detecting”. She would often say: “I’ve got his/her number!”

She was strong & competitive; arm wrestle her & you were certain to lose. She loved the game where she’d pin you down & tickle you while repeating “weaky.” She did exactly what she said & expected the same. She was the ultimate bragger, especially about her kids, grandkids & great-grandkids. She was smart, witty, bright, keen & gravitated towards similar minds. If you insulted her intelligence, she would declare: “I am an educated woman”, then proceed to pontificate & scold. She earned degrees in Psychology/Thanatology/Sociology (Summa Cum Laude), Westminster ‘85. She was an astute, keen investor (self-taught).

She was flirtatious, dramatic, & bold – almost overbearing. She had no filter or concept of “personal space.” She loved being the center of attention. If she wasn’t getting it, she knew precisely how to rectify “the problem.” Get on the phone with her & she would dominate the call. She loved having conversations – except it was more an exercise in “listening” than conversating. If you weren’t engaged, she would abruptly say: “Are you still there?”

She loved animals & wanted your animal to love her more. She would discreetly carry treats to “foster that love”! She was a leader, not a follower; she was very passionate about teaching her children & grandchildren the same. She was the ultimate caregiver. She loved shopping & giving. Even during her most difficult days, she was online shopping for others. She was sharp as a tack; nothing got past her. She would call you out no matter who you were or who was listening.

When it came to her grandchildren, she inserted herself as self-appointed “co-parent” & had no interest in “riding shotgun” or “back seat driver” – she preferred to be in the “driver’s seat.”

Shirley passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on 6/22/23 @8:44pm, after a heroic 22-mon. battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband William, who died from a brain aneurysm (1973) leaving her a widow with 2 small children; son-in-law Kalai (1997); her parents Nephi & Margaret (2003, 2005); husband “Mitch” (2016) with whom she shared a nearly 40-year love affair, traveling the world extensively. 

She is survived by: Siblings Irene Bozich, Orin Johanson (Aggie), Eddie Johanson (Deon); Son Christopher Crawford (Sandy); Daughter Nancy Glover (Shad); Bonus-daughters Shauna Segundo (Leroy), Yvonne Sauer (Allen); Grandchildren: Heston, Kaila (Hampton), Gage, Darienne, Raime (Chris), Tatiana, Tianay (Michael), Josip Jr. (Maria); Great-grandchildren: Hudson, Elizabeth, Victoria, Katherine, Josip III, Victor, Logan, Reiley, Ronin, Vivien, Dillon, Scarlett; Pets: Kellie, Gigi, Jaque. Shirley deeply loves each of you.

We express sincere gratitude to the many doctors, nurses, aides, & staff at Huntsman, close friends & neighbors along with Starks & Larkin. 

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Shirley’s life on Friday, June 30, 2023 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building. A graveside service will be on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1702 East 10600 South.