Mary Ellen Shields Elggren

1945 - 2025

- Mary Ellen passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at home, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on September 18, 1945, to F. Alburn Shields and Ruth Clawson Shields. From a young age Mary Ellen was surrounded by love, faith, and a large, close-knit extended family, a foundation that would guide her entire life. Working alongside her mother and grandmother, she learned the values of service, diligence, and devotion to her faith, lessons that became the touchstone of her life's work.

On June 30, 1965, Mary Ellen married the love of her life, John Elggren, and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and purpose. Their marriage was grounded in faith, and their greatest joy came in raising their seven children. Mary Ellen's life revolved around her love of family, faith, and country. She was a steady and loving presence, a wise counselor, and a tireless nurturer who poured her heart into everyone she met. Though she endured the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Julie thirteen years ago, Mary Ellen continued to live with courage, grace, and gratitude, honoring Julie's memory in everything she did.

A woman of deep faith and conviction, Mary Ellen dedicated her life to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to sharing the rich history of His Church. Her testimony was unshakable, expressed not only in her words but also in the way she lived. Known throughout the community for her strength, steadfastness, and passion, she was a devoted defender of the faith.

Mary Ellen served faithfully in many Church callings, yet her truest calling was sharing the story of the Restoration. Through her gift for storytelling, her love of music, especially the piano and organ, and her deep reverence for the people and places that shaped the early Church, she brought history to life for countless others. For her, this was never merely service or study; it was her life's mission and sacred work.

Her journey as a historian and business owner began while working with her mother and grandmother in the family travel business, who instilled in her a love for the heritage of her faith. In time, she built upon their foundation, turning that shared passion into a lifelong vocation. She led countless tours throughout the United States and around the world, bringing to life the stories of history and the early Latter-day Saint pioneers with vivid detail and heartfelt conviction. Later in life, she focused her efforts on her beloved state of Utah, guiding visitors through its sacred and historic sites. Through her business, she built a legacy of education, inspiration, and connection, helping others see the hand of God in the unfolding of history.

Mary Ellen also served as President of the Brigham Young Family Association, where she became known as a fierce defender of Brigham Young and of the truth surrounding his legacy. She was deeply committed to bridging historical divides and promoting understanding, even working to help heal the long-standing rift between the Young and Smith families. Her work in this area was both scholarly and compassionate, rooted in her conviction that history is best told with honesty and love.

Her passion for the past was matched by her warmth in the present. Whether leading a bus tour across the country, sharing stories from pioneer journals, or hosting friends and family in her home, Mary Ellen radiated faith and wisdom. She was endlessly curious, deeply loyal, and always ready to lend a hand or share a thoughtful insight. She approached life with faith and optimism, leaving a profound impression on everyone she met.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her daughter, Julie Hurst (Steve); her parents, F. Alburn Shields and Ruth Clawson Shields; and her brother, John (Karen).

She is survived by her beloved husband, John, and their children: Matthew (Laurie), Christian (Susan), Jay (Sabreena), Aaron (Jen), Sara Golightly (Kyle), and Jennifer VanOrden (RT); her brothers Donald (Ginny), Robert (Kathy), Michael, and sister Ruthann; her cherished 24 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will carry her memory forward.

Her passing leaves a tender void in the hearts of those who knew her, yet her spirit endures in the legacy of faith, service, and love she built. Mary Ellen lived fully, believed deeply, and served selflessly. She taught by example that history is sacred, faith is enduring, and family is forever.

Viewing will be Friday, November 28th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Yale Ward Building, 1431 East Gilmer Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84105.

A second viewing will take place on Saturday morning, November 29th, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the same location, followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The service will be live-streamed: https://zoom.us/j/92729108380?pwd=CqqAO7w6dcT3EuHATg2jZkTQfupJut.1