Shirlene Milliner

Shirlene Milliner passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, in Holladay, Utah. She was 90 years old.

Shirlene was born September 16, 1935, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Herman Eugene Wurst and Alberta Jacobs Wurst. She grew up in Sugar City and St. Anthony, Idaho. She spent her childhood working on the family farm, spending time with friends and family, and keeping up with her schoolwork. She graduated from Sugar Salem High in 1953 and BYU in 1956 with a degree in English and dramatic arts.

In 1957, she began teaching English and drama at South Summit High School (Go Wildcats), where she met her husband and companion, James Reed (Jim) Milliner. They met in September, started dating in October, were engaged in November, and married in December. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 27, 1957. Their courtship was short; their marriage is eternal.

Jim and Shirlene settled in Peoa, Utah. Shirlene quickly integrated herself into the community that she came to love. She paused her teaching career to raise her children. When they were grown, she taught 3rd and 4th grades at South Summit Elementary. She loved producing and directing school plays and productions.

She served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taking various callings in Relief Society, Primary, and Sunday School. She dearly loved her family, friends, church, and community. When she called someone on the phone, no matter who it was, she always introduced herself by saying, “This is Shirlene Milliner in Peoa.” Even her children received this greeting.

She was a wonderful mother to her children, Ray and LaDonna. She gave them an awesome childhood, taught them right from wrong, instilled a good work ethic in them, and sacrificed to give them the opportunities for education, travel, and work that she never had.

After retiring, she continued to serve. She volunteered at school, church, and in the community. She was proud to be an election official, a role she took seriously. When her son, Ray, appeared to vote, she solemnly directed him, "State your full name." He answered, "Ray." But rules were rules, so she repeated her instructions two more times. He got his ballot only when he finally answered, "James Ray Milliner."

Perhaps her most noble service was caring for her mother and Jim during their illnesses. Without complaint, she was a full-time caretaker and nurse for nearly a decade. We will always remember and admire her selfless love for them.

After Jim’s death in 2005, she served a two-year mission in Washington, D.C., where she worked in the temple and at the visitor’s center. She often commented that her mission was one of the greatest experiences of her life.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband, and her brother Cloy. She is survived by her children, James Ray (Mary Dansie) and LaDonna, her grandchildren Olivia Mina (Ray and Mary’s daughter) and Catelyn Marie (LaDonna’s daughter), and her sisters Helen Mabbutt and Gwendolyn Kopp.

Services will be held at the Peoa Ward Chapel, 1224 West State Road 32, on Monday, February 23, 2026, with a viewing at 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. and funeral at 1:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest in the Peoa cemetery next to Jim.

The family would like to thank neighbors, ward members, friends and caregivers who served and supported Shirlene throughout her life. We love you.