Shirley Jean (Nielsen) Baltzer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on July 25, 1946, in Provo, Utah, to Stan and Lois Nielsen, and grew up surrounded by love, faith, and a strong family foundation.
Shirley graduated from Provo High School, where she was well known as a talented twirler and a kindhearted friend to many. Her warmth and cheerful spirit drew people to her all throughout her life. After high school she attended and graduated from BYU with a degree in recreation. While at BYU she met her sweetheart, Thomas Baltzer. They were married on October 14, 1971, and together they built a life centered on faith, service, and family.
Shirley’s role as a mother and grandmother was her greatest joy. She and Tom were blessed with two sons, Nash and Tad, and she cherished her eight grandchildren: Drake, Teague, Journey, Ansley, Saxon, Micah, Dane, and Kylie. “Grandma Shirl” delighted in their accomplishments, showered them with love, and created countless memories they will treasure forever.
Hardworking and creative, Shirley made a home that welcomed not only her own family, but also many others. Growing up she helped cook meals daily, not only for her household, but also for the BYU students who lived in their family’s boarding home. Her own kitchen was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting smell of homecooked meals.
A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Shirley was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in various callings, including as a temple worker (alongside her husband) for 27 years, and she exemplified Christlike love in all she did. She was best known as a peacemaker, a loyal sister, and a faithful friend whose quiet service blessed countless lives.
She is survived by her husband Tom; her sons Nash (Adaire) and Tad (Amber); her grandchildren; and her siblings Nancy, Peggy, Laurie, and Gifford. We take joy in knowing she now rejoices in a heavenly reunion with her sweet parents, Stan and Lois, her beloved sister Julie and many more dear and precious family members who proceeded her.
Shirley will always be remembered for her kindness, charity, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith. Her legacy of love will live on in all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed.
As a family, we want to express our love, gratitude, and appreciation for all of the doctors, nurses, medical care professionals and her ministering sister Missy – who all provided such kind and compassionate care for Mom throughout her illness and in the final weeks of her life – including those from Intermountain Cancer Center, Iron County Home Health, Mission HealthCare Hospice & Cedar Health and Rehabilitation.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we humbly ask that you go about and “serve like Shirley” by providing acts of love/service for someone who needs them. Whether that be a warm smile, an intent listening ear, an uplifting word of encouragement, a kind hug, a home cooked meal or whatever acts of love/service you choose to do.
We will celebrate her life on Friday, August 29th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (2233 Village Green Rd, Enoch, UT). A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30am with the funeral service at 11am under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. All are invited to attend. To view a livestream of the service or to share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.