Shirley Adamson Manwaring

Shirley Adamson Manwaring, 94, passed away on April 6, 2026 in St. George, Utah. Shirley was born on August 29, 1931, in what is now Highland, Utah, to Martell (Mark) David Adamson and Etta LaRee Greenwood. She grew up in Spanish Fork and later moved to Bountiful, where she graduated from Davis High School. During her teenage and young adult years Shirley spent many summers working at Bryce Canyon National Park, a place she loved dearly. She attended the University of Utah where she met Don Spafford Manwaring. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 18, 1951.

Shirley was the wife of an Army Officer. As they filled military assignments around the world, their family grew until there were seven sons. They lived in Japan, Germany (twice), and multiple locations in the United Sates before settling in Utah after twenty years of service. Throughout her life Shirley was adventurous and enjoyed traveling. She visited multiple countries in Europe, Egypt and Israel. She especially loved Switzerland. She appreciated good art and enjoyed painting with oils and watercolors. She was also an avid reader and lifelong learner, continuing to read from her professional books even in the weeks before her passing.

After all of Shirley's sons were grown and on their own she resumed her education and earned her master's degree in social work at the University of Utah. She went on to manage the Pain Clinic at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, where she also worked with terminal cancer patients and their families. She provided compassionate service throughout her life to family members, friends, neighbors, and as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as ward Relief Society president on multiple occasions.

Throughout her life Shirley met many challenges that tested her faith and endurance, including health problems and the end of her marriage, but she overcame them with determination and grace. Her faith in Jesus Christ, her lifelong activity in His Church, and her love for her family and friends gave her the motivation and strength to live an exemplary life. She was determined to be self-sufficient and managed her resources well, enjoying a provident life to the end.

Shirley's proudest accomplishment is being the mother of her seven boys, all of whom served full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her love, her teachings, and her example of commitment to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ has had a profound and lasting impact on them and her posterity.

Shirley is survived by her seven sons and their spouses: Richard (Melody), Highlands Ranch, CO; Craig (Kathy) Washington, UT; Paul (Ruth), St. George, UT; Brent (Paula), Salt Lake City, UT; Stephen (Trudy), St. George, UT, Michael (Monica), Washington, UT; Jeffrey (Kristen), Hurricane, UT; and by her younger sister Carole Adamson Ziegler, St. George, UT. She is also survived by 45 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren, with six more great grandchildren expected in the coming year. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Mark and Etta LaRee Adamson, her former husband Don, her brother David Michael Adamson, her sister Dolores Adamson Simons, her great-grandson Johnathon Adam Manwaring, and her granddaughter Cherish Zion Manwaring.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Spilsbury Mortuary at 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, UT. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, in the Ridge View Ward Chapel at 750 N. 1000 West, St. George, UT. A viewing will take place from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a memorial service from 11:00 AM to noon. Shirley will be interred at the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George, UT.

Those unable to attend the service are invited to join and watch the livestream at 11:00 AM on Saturday. Livestream Link

In lieu of flowers or donations we invite you to honor Shirley's life and example by responding to a request she made the day before she passed: "Be kind and forgiving to each other."

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to share photos and their favorite memories on Shirley's online guestbook below.