Shirley Johnson Madsen
April 18, 1935 - October 25, 2025
Shirley Johnson Madsen passed away October 25, 2025 at the age of 90.
I was born on April 18, 1935, to Ruth and Ralph Jonson in Twin Falls, Idaho. My father worked for P.I.E. and mother was a homemaker and seamstress. We moved to Elko, Nevada on December 7, 1941, ”a date that would live in infamy”. We spent the war years in Elko and they were wonderful years thanks to dear friends: Norma, Leila, Diane, Karen and MaryLou.
In 1947, when my dad was promoted to driver supervisor, we moved to Salt Lake and I have spent the rest of my life here. I attended Sumner Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and South High and have kept in touch with dear friends, Donna Soutas and Donna Jones throughout the years.
My father instilled in me the love of poetry, and I could recite by memory almost 50 poems.
I met and married Bill Madsen and together we had seven children, but divorced in 1975. In 1971, I graduated from the U of U (GO UTES) with a BS degree in elementary education and started teaching at Westvale Elementary. Later I taught at Mountview Elementary before ending my career at Joel P. Jenson Middle School – all in the Jordan School District. I received my Master’s Degree from Utah State in 1983 along with my G/T endorsement. Teaching was my love and my life!! I received many teaching awards over the years, but my best award was the love of my many students. I kept in touch with many of them and remember all of them!! I retired from education in 1997. It was a big adjustment for someone who spent every waking hour thinking of school, but I soon found myself immersed in reading, traveling, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, cross stitching and walking three or four miles daily. I met monthly to celebrate birthdays with former colleagues at BC (Breakfast Club)!!
I traveled extensively throughout the US with my sister, Betty, Colleen, and friends. My idea of heaven was to get in the car and go – I drove through every state in the nation multiple times. Trips also included Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Eastern Europe and London. I loved to see and learn the history of the world – it was my passion!
I was very proud of my children and their accomplishments. I had a close relationship with most of my family, but I did come to realize that I could not be everything to everybody!
I am survived by my children Debbie Miller, Carolyn (Gene) Bates, Craig (LeAnne), Cindy (Don) Hart, Gary (Jackie), Colleen (Tim) Verrinder; brother Pete Netka (Molly Sturdy); and many, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. I was preceded in death by my parents; ex-husband, Bill; daughter, Wendy; sister, Betty Rider and my beloved dog, Toby.
There will be a “celebration” of my life on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East in Salt Lake City. She will be laid to rest with her daughter, Wendy on Saturday, November 15 at 12:00 Noon at Elysian Burial Gardens.
I would be honored if you would wear “UTE” red at this gathering! This is a celebration only — “no sad songs for me”!
“I Did It My Way”.
Contributions can be made in my Toby’s name to the Humane Society of Utah.
In Loving Memory
Shirley was both a master teacher and a master human! She spread warmth and love everywhere she went. I worked with her at Joel P. Jensen Middle School and remember the positive influence she had on both the staff and her students. She was a rare combination of intellect, compassion, and wit. Life on this planet was changed by your influence!
Your mom was such a blessing to my family. Such a wonderful, constant friend to Barbara & Marty. My son, Josh had the pleasure of being one of her students at Joel P Jensen middle school. I remember the days when Shirley, my mom , Barbara, & other friends got together often for Bridge Club! I know you're loss is great, she will be missed so much.
Mrs Madsen was my teacher at Joel P Jensen and I still think of those days and the things she taught me. I still remember when she read Z for Zachariah to the class. To this day it remains one of my all time favorite books. She touched so many lives and I’ll always be indebted to her kindness and wisdom.
I worked with Shirley at Joel P. Jensen Middle School for four years in the early 90's. Shirley was an inspiration and a mentor to me during that entire time. Her kindness and example gave me strength when needed. She modeled generosity in sharing lesson plans with me, gently teaching me better ways of connecting with students and just generally being upbeat about the entire teaching process (which is not always easy). Those lessons learned were not forgotten as I taught an additional 19 years after leaving JPJ. Additionally, I always loved and looked forward to her yearly Christmas card and delightful letter (with such clever and thoughtful themes). I know how much she loved her family and friends and I am extremely blessed to have known her. Sincerely, Janet Gustavson
Ms Madsen was my 7th grade English teacher at Joel P Jensen, and I've never forgotten her. I wouldn't be where I am today - a professional writer - without her encouragement and tutelage. She instilled in me a love for words, language, and expression that's followed me my whole life. What an incredible woman and extraordinary educator. Go Utes!
In Loving Memory
