Grandpa Bob and Grandma Mary

Grandpa Bob & Grandma Mary

Robert Earl 1919 ~ 2010 Robert Earl passed away peacefully February 2, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah from causes incident to age. He was born April 29, 1919 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Carl Frederick and Mary Ann Irwin. His family later moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he grew up and spent most of his life. While attending South High School he met Mary Lou Thornberg Shepherd. They were married April 18, 1942. He nurtured and loved Mary during their 67 years of marriage. On their 31st wedding anniversary they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. It will be hard to be separated after all these years. During World War II Robert served in the U.S. Army at Fort Stoneman in Pittsburg, California loading troops onto ships bound for the South Pacific. As a young man he enjoyed riding bikes. He worked in downtown Salt Lake City delivering telegraphs on his bike and also joined different riding clubs riding locally and long distances. Most of his working life was with Utah-Arizona and Consolidated Freightways. He and Mary spent many days at their cabin at Bridgerland Village overlooking Bear Lake. He loved reading, working with his hands, building ships, making doll houses, tooling leather, and fashioning lamps out of wood. He loved his involvement with Family History and has thousands of pages filled with ancestors that he has discovered over the years. In 1954 he and his family moved to Granger, Utah where they have lived ever since. In the early 1990's Robert and Mary were called to serve a six- month work-service mission at the LDS Church Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake. Their experience was so overwhelming that they continued for another five years. They have many fond memories of those they served and served with. Their mission was a constant source of reminiscing and enjoyment over the ensuing years. He is survived by his children: Robert (Shelly), Oakland, California; Richard (Pam), Lehi, Utah; Sue (Randy) Salazar, St. George; Steven, Salt Lake; and his brother, Clinton O'Dell, Salt Lake. He is also the grandfather of 22 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 8, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the West Valley 2nd Ward, 3150 W. Whitehall Dr (3985 South), West Valley City, UT. A viewing will be held Sunday, February 7, 2010, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville and Monday at the church, 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.




Mary Lou 1921 ~ 2010 Mary Lou Thornberg Shepherd passed away peacefully February 19, 2010 from causes incident to age. She was born February 6, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Virgil Frederick Thornberg and Nellie Murdock. Her father died when she was 18 months old. Her mother then married Rex Shepherd. While attending South High School she met Robert. They were married on April 18, 1942. They nurtured and loved each other dearly for their 70 years of friendship and marriage. On their 31st wedding anniversary they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They are happy to be together after their short separation. During World War II Mary worked at Fort Douglas for the OSS. She enjoyed reading, cooking, sewing, and was involved with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. For several years she worked for Aetna Life and Casuality Insurance Company. In the early 1990's Mary and Robert served a five year work-service mission at the LDS Church Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake. In 1954 the family moved to Granger, Utah where they have lived ever since. She was preceded in death 17 days ago by her eternal companion. She is survived by her children Robert (Shelly) of Oakland, CA, Richard (Pam), Lehi, Sue (Randy) Salazar, St. George, Steven, Salt Lake; her sisters Margaret Wickle of Oakland, California, Joan Shepherd of Sonoma, CA, and her brother Rex Shepherd of San Diego, Ca. She had 22 grandchildren and 31 great-grand children. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in the West Valley 2nd Ward at 3150 W Whitehall Dr (3985 South) West Valley City, at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held on Tuesday evening at the McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, from 6 - 8 pm and Wednesday at the church, 10 -10:45 a.m. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.