Shirley Jean Carlton November 27, 1947 to December 13, 2010 Shirley Jean, cherished wife, mother, and grandmother, teacher, and friend, will be sorrowfully missed by her earthly family even as she rejoices in the Lord's presence. A wonderful mother who loved her children, Shirley leaves the world a better place. Born in Bakersfield, CA to Elmer and Doris Unruh, and active in the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church, Shirley was a devoted daughter, older sister, and church member. After graduating from Shafter High School in 1965, Shirley attended Fresno Pacific College on a scholarship she earned through her sewing prowess. Married to life-long, family friend, Ken Carlton on October 28, 1967, they became a moving army of two. Shirley and Ken loved to travel together and continued to enjoy travelling even after settling in Grass Valley, California and then St. George, Utah in 1995. Continuously awed by the desert vistas and wildlife, Shirley loved nothing better than sitting in a folding chair, eating a tuna sandwich, and watching the birds and other wildlife at the Woodbury Desert Preserve. Shirley not only loved children, she was much loved by all children. Nicknamed "Moosh" (short for "Miss Shirley") by the children of her congregation, she never lacked for young company on the pew at church. Shirley combined her love for children and her attention to detail by earning her degree in Early Childhood Education from California State University Sacramento, graduating Suma Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. Recognized as the Teacher of the Year at Santa Clara Elementary School, Shirley impacted many children in her 15 years of teaching. Shirley loved her fellow teachers but considered all the students in her second grade classroom "her kids," and she thoroughly enjoyed visits from former students as they progressed and succeeded in their lives past her classroom. Shirley and Ken traveled in their 5th wheel, and she spent her time collecting items for the "science table" in her classroom, hand-piecing quilts and reading. Shirley loved visiting her grand children in California, taking long walks on the beach and watching the sun setting over the Pacific. She cooked delicious meals but never learned how to make a small pot of soup. A hard worker with a fine eye for detail, everyone knew that if you needed something done, and done better than you imagined, you gave the job to Shirley. Chairwoman and CEO of the Cleaning Committee, Shirley was an active and faithful member of Westside Baptist Church. Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Ken Carlton. Her son Richard Carlton and his wife Dana and their children Margaret, Alex and Sarah. Her daughter Christine Carlton. Her mother Doris Unruh, her brothers Darrell (Karen), Sid (Marcy), and Ron (Malise) and numerous cousins , nieces and nephews. Shirley had an adopted Church Family and will be greatly missed by her pastor Greg Wright, his wife Merri Ellen, and their children (Shirley's honorary grandchildren) Brittany, Caleb, Gary and Ryan. The family will receive friends during the viewing, Friday, December 17th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Westside Baptist Church in St. George. Shirley's funeral service will also be at the church Saturday, December 18th at 10:00 am with interment following at the Santa Clara City Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. To offer condolences to the family online please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Westside Christian School, 2299 W. 2000 N., St. George, UT 84770.