Springville – Shirley Irene McLaren Bybee passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Provo, UT, at the age of 65. She was a 40+ year resident of Springville, UT, at the time of her passing.

Shirley was born in Salt Lake City, UT, on November 11, 1959, to her mother, Caroline Cecille Capson, and father, Donald Duane McLaren. She lived most of her life in Salt Lake City and in other locations throughout the Salt Lake Valley before moving to Springville, UT. She attended Olympus High School in Salt Lake City, UT.

She had a deep love for animals, especially Chihuahuas and exotic birds. Her love for animals led her to spend much of her life caring for and rehabilitating animals in various ways. She also had a passion for educating others, especially children, about caring for and respecting exotic birds and birds of prey and other animals. She was a beloved and respected educator in these realms as well as a dedicated employee at various animal hospitals and animal shelters throughout Utah Valley for much of her life.

Those who knew Shirley best knew her as a passionate individual who was never afraid to speak her mind about anything, and a fierce advocate for the humane and loving treatment of all animals. She was loved and respected by many for her many endearing qualities.

She was married to Paul Joseph Bybee on 9/6/1996 and is survived by him. She is also survived by her son, Jason Marshall Allen, half-sister, Valorie McKee, half-brothers, James McKee, Jr. and Michael McKee, and her stepfather, James Ray McKee. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Heather Ann Stoddard, her mother, Caroline Cecille McKee, and her father, Donald Duane McLaren.

Per Shirley’s wishes, there will be no visitation or other formal memorial service. However, those who would like to honor her passing are encouraged to make a donation to an animal sanctuary or other animal advocacy organization of their choosing.