RODNEY JAMES SHIRLEY
Rodney James Shirley, passed away at his home in Salem, Idaho, on January 14, 2009. Rodney was born to James F. and Sarah V. Shirley in Salem, Idaho on January 3, 1915.
He took an early interest in high school sports where he lettered in football and placed first in track meets. He enjoyed stage productions and had his picture on the marquee for a production at the Deseret Theater in Salt Lake City. He worked on defense jobs during the war years. He served a mission to the British Isles. Soon after his return he married Leah J. Mortensen, on June 29, 1938, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They later became proud parents of twins, Kent and Karen, then Diane and lastly, Nile. Leah she died December 13, 1947. Rodney then took on the role of a single father for the next 18 years.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints and served as a Young Men's Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, directed ward plays and road shows, participated in dance festivals, was a counselor in a bishopric, Scout Master and he managed little league baseball and square dancing. As a carpenter, Rod was involved in building many custom homes in Rexburg as well as many of the original buildings on the former Ricks College campus. He enjoyed fishing trips to Norway, Acapulco, Alaska and various ports on the Washington coast and all lakes and rivers of the Intermountain West.
In 1964 at an LDS "Sociables" dance he met Patty Jean Wood. They were married on September 23, 1965 and the marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. Following two years of hoping and waiting they were joined by son Todd.
In 1954 he climbed the famed Petzholdt Ridge of the Grand Teton Peak. One of the highlights of his life was being a contestant on the Price Is Right. He loved to hunt, hike, ski, travel, garden, cook, dance and spend time doing anything else involving his family. He had a complete and unconditional love for his wife and every child and grandchild.

He is survived by wife Patty, children Kent (Susan), Karen Espinosa, Diane (Ron) Nielson, Nile (Jayne) and Todd (Trina), 25 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 11 great -great grandchildren and a sister, Ada Moss. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Fred, Leo, Leslie, and Ross, and sisters Jeanette, Hazel, Sarah, Myrtle and Bonnie .

Funeral Services will be held at the Salem 2nd Ward Chapel, at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2009. A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 18, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm at the Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg, and Monday from 10:00 – 10:45 am at the ward. Interment will be in the Sugar City Cemetery.