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Shirley A. Badger

May 3, 1940 - Feb. 7, 2025

Date of Service: Feb. 21, 2025

BURLEY – Shirley Andersen Badger, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 84, on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello.

She was born on May 3, 1940, in Burley, Idaho, to Thorwal and Leah Maurine Fewkes Andersen. She was born in her parents’ home located six miles southeast of Burley. She lived on the farm for her first fourteen years of life. At the beginning of her freshman year at Burley Jr. High, they moved from the farm to a newly-built home located one mile south of Burley.

During her high school years, Shirley was recognized for her participation in school activities and scholastic achievements. She helped organize the first drill team group known as the “Burley Hi Stepperettes”, wrote for the school newspaper and was associate editor on the “The Bur Hur” staff. She was voted as one of the class of 1958’s ten most outstanding seniors.

The night before her high school graduation in 1958, she was presented with an engagement ring from Dennis Peter Badger. They began their wedding plans and were married in August of that year in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Dennis began working at the new Boise Cascade Container Plant that fall. They accepted job transfers through the years living in Denver, Colorado; St. Paul, Minnesota; Richland, Washington; Salem, Oregon, then returned to Burley. They made many friends and had the opportunity to serve in many capacities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shirley served in various callings in the Primary, as Young Women's President twice and as Relief Society President twice. She loved serving as ward historian and Stake Family History Consultant. She managed the Beehive Clothing Distribution Center for nine years and served with Dennis at Deseret Industries on a Church Service Mission. When the Twin Falls Temple was dedicated in 2008, she was set apart as a volunteer clerk working in the office and served for six years. Shirley and Dennis enjoyed doing temple work together. She was pleased to be able to do her parents’ work and to know she was sealed to them. Shirley was an excellent seamstress and blessed the lives of many with her talent.

Dennis and Shirley were blessed with seven children and at one time had four children under the age of two. Their union has been blessed with 30 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren. Family meant everything to Shirley. She once wrote, “I am grateful for my family and the love which binds us together. Life has its struggles, but love makes it easier.”

Shirley is survived by her husband, Dennis; her children, Denise (Randy) Harris, Douglas (Lindy) Badger, Trent (Dorothy) Badger, Trena Olsen, Alesha (Scott) Whitney, Shirlane Owen, Bethany (Brandon) Bowman; 30 grandkids and 58 great-grandkids; and brother, James Andersen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, LaRae Merrill; son-in-law, Keith Owen; and great-granddaughter, Isabelle Hegdahl.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 21, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Pella 1st Ward, located at 152 W. 400 S., of Burley. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, February 20, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, at the church prior to the service.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/gWYkiBAXPWU.

Condolences for Shirley A. Badger

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From Robert and Alma Blakeslee:

Our love goes out to Dennis and family. Shirley and Dennis are the finest examples of Christ-like love. Families are forever and our fond memories of Shirley, Dennis and family will last forever too.

From Robert and Alma Blakeslee:

Our love goes out to Dennis and family. Shirley and Dennis are the finest examples of Christ-like love. Families are forever and our fond memories of Shirley, Dennis and family will last forever too.

From Your cousin Devan:

Dennis, I was sorry to hear that Shirley passed away. I wish I could be there but Elaine is not able to be alone at this time as she's had some health problems of her own. She is in a wheelchair, unable to get out. It was always good to see you guys at the temple. Sending our love and prayers to you and your family.

From Denny & Sue Wahlstrom:

Dennis & family. Shirley meant a great deal to me. I loved her like a sister, growing together on Uncle Roma's farm, we were blessed with this time together. I was heart broken when I received the news Shirley had passed. Sue & my health issues made it impossible to travel but want you to know our heart goes out to you & your great family. Always in our prayers.

From Carole Harris:

My deepest condolences to Denise and her family for the loss of a well-loved mother and grandmother!

From Alan & Darla Nielsen:

We were so heartbroken to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was such a kind, talented, and spiritual woman, and her influence touched so many lives. She had a gift for making others feel loved and valued, always offering kindness, encouragement, and wisdom. Her dedication to the gospel and her tireless service in so many different callings were a testament to her deep faith and love for the Lord and those around her.

Living in the ward with the Badgers was such a blessing, and we will always cherish the memories we have of that time. Shirley was truly an asset to the ward, always serving with a willing heart and a cheerful spirit. Her example of faith, kindness, and devotion left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

We will miss her dearly, but we take comfort in knowing she has left a beautiful legacy of love and service.

From Guy & Debi Dana:

We remember Shirley & Dennis when he was Bishop of Salem 5th Ward. We loved their family. Shirley was a wonderful seamstress and friend.

From Darrell Lahman:

Our deepest condolences to the Harris family.

From Debra hammond:

I loved this sweet beautiful lady. She was always so kind to me. She made me feel good. I know we were friends

From Marcee Ludlow:

Shirley was a grandmother to me. We moved next door when I was five and she was the best part of the move to Springdale. I loved going to her house and feeling the love, warmth, and acceptance that enveloped me. One time, I fell out of a tree and hurt my shin pretty bad-- the bone was exposed. I went to her house to have her clean me up and put a bandage. She could do anything, make anything better. I loved looking at all the beautiful things she made, including smells, and her voice was musical to my ears. She gave me sewing lessons and she taught me valuable lessons of doing things exactly, carefully, and with pride. I'm heartbroken she is gone and I hurt so much for Dennis and all her family that will feel her loss so keenly.

From David & Susan Price:

Shirley and Dennis are one, apart for now. Susan and I have been friends and temple workers with them for many years. They have a wonderful family. The blessings of being one and together. We all age and leave our mark.

From Marcee Ludlow:

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