Jyl Louise Shuler was born on May 25, 1954 in Soda Springs, Idaho, to Don H. and LaRue Shuler. Born on a cloudy, windy day, she immediately brought a ray of sunshine into the world. From the moment she joined her two older brothers, her father was smitten with his baby girl, and everyone knew she was special.
Jyl’s early years in Soda Springs were filled with joy and academic success. She was an excellent student who found her passion in the performing arts. Whether she was playing the clarinet in the band, singing in the ‘Soda Pops Show Choir’, or captivating audiences in the Drama Club, Jyl’s talents shone brightly. After high school, Jyl continued to pursue her love for the arts at Idaho State University (ISU), graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology, secondary education, and theatre. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, R. Scott Phillips, marking the beginning of a devoted, lifelong partnership.
Jyl was bitten by the travel bug in college, and at 19, she embarked on an adventure to Australia, visiting the family of an exchange student her family had hosted. This was just the beginning. After graduating from ISU, she spent two years teaching English in Japan to corporate executives, and from that point on, her suitcase never had a chance to collect dust. Jyl traveled extensively throughout Europe and also visited destinations such as Turkey, Israel, Russia, and Canada. Some of her favorite destinations were Scotland, Ireland, Italy, England, and the Czech Republic to mention a few. She especially cherished her travels with Scott, sharing many unforgettable experiences together.
Upon returning to the U.S. from Japan, Jyl worked for Eastern Airlines for several years while continuing her global explorations. She then shifted her focus back to the performing arts, beginning as the Box Office Manager at Ballet West in Salt Lake City, UT. In 1988, she made a significant change and moved to Cedar City, UT, where she became the Development Director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF). Jyl became indispensable there, with the Director of USF often sending everyone to her with questions because she always had the answers. Her work there was instrumental in the USF becoming a well-known, top-tier prestigious professional theatre, and receiving the Tony Award for America’s Outstanding Regional Theatre in the 2000.
Jyl enjoyed sharing her love of the arts with her parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. Whether they were watching “The Nutcracker” from seats near the orchestra pit or taking a behind the scenes tour of the USF, Jyl spoiled them with such high-quality productions that any theme park entertainment or community theatre they attended afterward always felt a bit lacking. Jyl’s family would joke that she had ruined them for anything less than Broadway or London’s West End.
Jyl retired from USF in 2017 after 29 years of incredible service but did not slow down. She served on multiple civic and community boards, including serving as Chair of the Cedar City Airport Board. She was also proud of her work with the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce Board and Wreaths Across America Board, among others. Jyl had a remarkable talent for fundraising, and she was often called upon to share her expertise at various events across the country.
A lifelong nurturer, Jyl loved and cared for everyone she met. Despite any bad days she might have had, you would never know it; she was always cheerful, kind, and calm.
Jyl is survived by her special life companion, R. Scott Phillips of Cedar City, Utah, and two siblings, Don Craig Shuler of Soda Springs, Idaho, and Joddee (Mark) Jacobsen of Casper, Wyoming. She was a beloved aunt to eight nieces and nephews: Airon (Zach) Mothershed, Kyle (Heidi) Shuler, Trista Thermen, Christopher (Mandi) Shuler, Marissa (Joel) Holverson, Keane (Margo) Shuler, Harrison Jacobsen, Connor Jacobsen and several great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, and a brother, Scott G. Shuler.
A celebration of her life will be held on July 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Hunter Alumni Center, Southern Utah University (405 W University Blvd, Cedar City, UT 84720), Great Hall. A viewing will precede the services from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the Whiting Room at the same location. Services will be under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Burial will occur in the Fairview Cemetery, Soda Springs, Idaho, on July 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Online condolences can be sent at www.sumortuary.com. As Jyl would always say, “See you later kiddos.”
To view livestream of services, please go to https://mortuary.org/obituaries/jyl-shuler