Our dear Mom, Shirley Ann Potter Wootton passed away in her home on November 5th surrounded and being loved by her family, just as she had always wanted and intended it to be.

Shirley was born in Mason City, Washington on December 24, 1936. She always said that she did not want to have a child born near Christmas, but then had her last child, Jenny, born on Christmas day.

Her parents were Lewis George Potter and Selma Emma Bahr, converts and devoted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the youngest of three daughters: her sisters are Doris Myers (Lyle) and Joyce Whipple (Jack).

Shirley grew up for much of her life in Wenatchee, Washington. Her father, Lewis, passed away when Shirley was 18 months old. She learned the valuable skills of hard work, perseverance and frugality from her single mother, Selma. Just before Shirley’s senior year in High School, her mother moved them to Provo, Utah where Shirley graduated from Provo High School.

Shirley attended BYU where she was a Cougarette and a member of the Cami Los Social Unit. She met Richard R. Wootton who was the President of the Tausigs while attending BYU. They danced many nights together as they attended social unit activities. Once “smitten”, they fell deeply in love and were married in the Manti Temple on May 25, 1956. Together they raised seven children: Shari Muncy, Mark Wootton (Melissa), Wade Wootton (Beverly), Julie Newsome Rasmussen (Shon), Greg Wootton (Wendy), Jason Wootton (Robyn) and Jennifer Newman (Justin). Shirley delighted in being with her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, and was thrilled to have recently become a great-great grandmother. Some of her favorite times were gathering regularly for Christmas family parties, 4th of July barbecues and celebrating her birthday every December 24th at the Chuck-A-Rama.

Shirley’s love for people was exemplified in the countless number of friends that she made throughout her lifetime. She and Richard traveled to all fifty of the United States together, as well as Europe and to the Mediterranean Sea countries. She made friends all along the way and would regularly send letters to all the many friends and family she loved so dearly. She and several of her high school girlfriends formed a woman’s club, “Les Femmes”, who regularly met together nearly monthly for all the years following their high school graduation. They remained loyal and devoted friends during engagements, marriages, births and even deaths. Shirley served as President for 11 years.

Serving others came naturally to Shirley. She was a volunteer at Utah Valley Hospital for well over 50 years. She served on the Volunteer Board, and was the President and officer for four years, and was elected as “Outstanding Volunteer” for all the hospitals in the State of Utah in 1992. She also served loyally as Relief Society President and served in Young Women’s and the Primary organizations. She was a dedicated visiting teacher and rarely ever missed contacting those doing this sacred labor. She was the designated driver to every jail and prison in Utah as she drove Richard to do his evaluations for the State of Utah and would often call friends and family while she waited in the car in the parking lot. She loved people!

Shirley will be remembered as a loyal wife, mother, daughter and friend to all. She loved others and always tried to be kind and serve others. She is survived by her seven children and spouses, 26 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren 1 great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard, parents and siblings and her son-in-law, Bradley K. Newsome.

Our family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to our dear Moms ICU nurse from Utah Valley Hospital, Karissa Johnson. Thank you for the love, devotion, care and concern you showed to our mom and to our family. Thank you for loving her and giving her support, care and the dignity that she deserved.

She will be honored and remembered at a viewing on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. Her funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Grandview South Stake Center, 1122 Grand Avenue, Provo, Utah with a viewing prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:45 AM. Interment, Eastlawn Memorial Hills. Condolences may be extended at www.bergmortuary.com.