Shirley Dayley

Shirley Dayley, 52, of Rupert, Idaho, returned home to her Heavenly Parents on Tuesday morning, January 5th, 2021 surrounded by her family.

Shirley grew up on a dairy with six brothers and two loving parents. From them she learned the value of hard work and the importance of family. She adored her mother and decided at a very early age that all she wanted to do was be a mom. When the opportunity came for her to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she declined, saying that the Lord had called her on a “mommy mission.”

In 1989, Shirley met the love of her life, Dale Dayley. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on June 14th, 1991. Together they had five children: Daniel, Jonathan, Melissa, Jacob, and Timothy.

Shirley’s greatest joy was having her family all together with her. No one could ever question that they were her greatest priority. Both when her kids were living at home and after they’d moved out, she constantly sought out experiences to help them grow and learn and enjoy life. The joys of her children were her joys; their pains were her pains. She loved them dearly and gave everything she was for them.

Shirley was a firm member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had unshakeable faith in her Heavenly Father and her Savior Jesus Christ. Even when she didn’t understand it, Shirley never doubted the reality of God’s plan for her. She served faithfully in the church in a variety of callings in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations. In every calling, she gave her whole self to serving God and those around her.

Even when she was going through her own trials, Shirley was constantly looking outside herself to see others who were suffering. She did everything she could to help, from organizing meals to sending encouraging texts to just listening. Her motto was “If not me, who? If not now, when?” She was everyone’s best friend, whether she’d known them for years or only a few minutes. She quite literally wore herself out in the service of others.

Shirley was an active member of her community. At every event, she could be found washing dishes, taking tickets, sewing costumes, setting up, or taking down. Having watched her battle cancer and having survived cancer twice, she was an active supporter of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for 17 years, including chairing the Mini-Cassia event twice. She was passionate about finding a cure.

Shirley was an angel on Earth. She lit up the lives of all who were blessed to know her. Her presence will be missed every single day.

Shirley is survived by her mother, Doris Kunzler; her husband, Dale Dayley; her kids, Daniel, Jonathan, Melissa, Jacob, and Timothy; her brothers and sisters-in-law; 39 nieces and nephews; and a plethora of nieces- and nephews-in-law and great nieces and nephews.

Shirley is preceded in death by her father, Mark Kunzler.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 9th, 2021 at 2 pm at the Rupert West Stake Center (26 S 110 W Rupert, ID), with a brief interment service immediately following at the Rupert Cemetery. A public viewing will be held at the Rupert West Stake Center at 1 pm, preceding the funeral.