Shirley Rae Peterson Moore

Shirley Rae Peterson Moore peacefully left this earthly life on June 17, 2021. Shirley was born on August 18, 1935, to Weldon Peterson and Leah Callahan in Tremonton, Utah. As a child she lived in Utah and Tennessee, her favorite times were the summers she spent on her Grandma Callahan’s farm with her sister, Marilyn. It was a carefree time with many adventures, but she also learned responsibility and the value of working hard.

Shirley graduated from Granite High School in 1953 and afterward went to work for Western Savings and Loan. One of her dearest memories from that time, was living with her sister, Glenna while her brother-in-law, Jesse was deployed with the Air Force.

In 1962, she met the love of her life, Thomas Sterling Moore and they were married six weeks later on September 1, 1962, in Salt Lake City. Tom and Shirley had five incredible children in six years, Mary Anne, Lisa, Christine, Thomas and Melinda. Tom worked for Champion Spark Plugs for most of their married life and with that came promotions and relocations. They raised their brood of five in California, Ohio and Texas. They taught their children the value of responsibility, how to work hard, and the meaning of family. They traveled frequently as a family, their favorite place being Flaming Gorge, Utah where camping, boating, fishing and floating the river were the daily activities.

Much to everyone’s surprise, Tom passed away suddenly in 1997, leaving Shirley bereft. With the love and support of her children and sisters, she made it through this difficult time. She went back to work, traveled the world and welcomed many grandchildren into the family. She played bridge with a wonderful group of friends and lovingly interfered in her children’s lives. She loved for the grandkids to sleep over, going to Disneyland, traveling with her sister and friends and hosting Christmas Eve.

Shirley taught her children many life lessons, some good and others not as good. She will be missed for her big personality, chattiness, sense of humor, brutal honesty and just because she was our mom. She has yearned for the day to see her beloved Tom again and their sweet reunion.

Shirley is survived by her children, Mary Anne (Jay), Lisa (Kirk), Christine (Ruben), Thomas (Tracey) and Melinda (Bob). Her sisters Glenna, Iris and Marilyn (Bob), her lifelong best friend, her sister-in-law Diane (Steve), 17 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom’s parents, her sister Kay, sister-in-law, Elizabeth, brothers-in-law, Ned, Jesse, Ted and Lou, and granddaughter, Hannah.

We would like to thank the Alta Ridge Care Center staff but especially Breanna M. for her loving kindness and patience with our mom.

A memorial service will be planned for a future date in Houston, Texas.