Shirley Levensailor gained her angel wings when she was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, whom she loved very much, on Friday, May 22, at the age of 74, after a long illness.
Shirley was born Oct. 16,1945, in Salt Lake City, to John M. and Virginia M. Retz (Rosvall). She spent her childhood climbing trees and perfecting her ballet skills. She was known for being quite the little tomboy (but still being a lady when she needed to be). During this time, she welcomed four brothers and two sisters into her family. Her favorite hobby was perfecting her incredible artistic talent of drawing.
At the age of 22 she met, fell in love with and eventually married Ferrell Bird Sr. on Jan. 4,1968. From this loving marriage they welcomed their nine lovely children into this world.
Shirley was known for being a wonderful mother and wife. She was also known for her crocheting talent, to the point that she had numerous people asking for her patterns (which she never gave out), so people had to order items from her instead. Her artistic abilities led her to having two of her drawings published in the Salt Lake Tribune in hopes of bringing attention to homeless women and children, for which she had a passion.
Her treasures in life were always her husband, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved very much. Shirley’s love for children led her to her dream job of being a schoolbus driver for the Salt Lake City School District. She worked there for many years and won many awards for her driving skills.
Shirley lost her first love, Ferrell, when he preceded her in death. She later met and fell in love with the second love of her life, Lynn Levensailor, and they were married June 1, 2003. They enjoyed traveling around visiting and enjoying quality time with their children and grandchildren, eventually settling in Evanston to enjoy their twilight years.
Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, April Retz; her parents; bonus son, Henry Bird; bonus daughter, Helena Bird; son, October Bird; bonus mother-in-law, Sadie Neilson; granddaughter, Christina Harwood; grandson, Joshua Yeager; and great-granddaughter, Jaiden Bird.
She is survived by her husband, Lynn Levensailor; brothers, David Retz, Paul Retz, James (Jeanne) Retz and Thomas Retz; sister, Jeannie (Lynn) Barnard; bonus son, Kenny Bird; bonus daughters, Patty (Gary) Harwood, Tamara Bird, Susie Bird and Gennell (Jeremy) Bird; daughters, Cindy (John) Bolan, Ethel (Dan) Bird, Lydia (Jason) Roll, Sheila Longhurst, Krista Kell and Donna ( Shawn) Higgins; sons, Ferrell Jr. (Becky) Bird and Leland Bird; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Cremation was taken care of in Rock Springs.
Her family will miss her beautiful smile but takes comfort in knowing that she is walking among the angels and is now her family’s guardian angel watching over them.
