Shirley Jean Bleak

1951 - 2025

Shirley Jean Bleak

1951 ~ 2025

Salt Lake City, UT-Shirley Jean Bleak passed away peacefully after a life full of purpose, grit, and love. She lived her life as a daughter of God, a wife, mom, grandma, nurse, and friend-and she gave her all in every one of those roles.

She was born in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Charles Woodrow Ney and Billie Jean Beadleson, one of a large family of siblings: Robert, Howard, Edward, Carol Lynn, and Joseph. (Her twin brothers, Frank and Dennis, died at birth.) She graduated from Spanish Fork High School.

Shirley attended the University of Utah, where she earned her nursing degree and met William Reed Bleak (Bill) at a university ward. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 26, 1973, and raised three boys who learned from their mom how to work hard, show up, and do what needed to be done.

Shirley didn't ease into anything-especially not her career in nursing. Over the years, she worked in trauma, cancer care, NICU, pediatric oncology, labor and delivery, home health, and Life Flight. She once finished a shift, admitted herself, and delivered her son Brad-all in one go. She was named Intermountain Nurse of the Year, earned a master's degree in nursing from Westminster College, and later a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Utah. She also served as an adjunct professor at Westminster, mentoring nursing students during their clinical training. But what mattered more to her than degrees or awards was doing her job well and treating people with compassion.

The epitome of Shirley's life was her dedication and hard work. After a recent car accident, her first calls were to her husband-and to her boss, to let them know she'd be late to work. She was thinking of others and showing up until the very end.

She cared for patients in Utah and around the world-traveling to Rwanda, Guatemala, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and India. She taught neonatal resuscitation, helped deliver babies alongside local midwives, and provided medical care in hard places. Some of those experiences were incredibly difficult, especially their mission to the DRC, but she never quit or complained. She also served as the medical lead for the Raleigh Durham LDS Mission during the pandemic and continued missionary medical support right up to the end of her life.

Shirley also served in countless roles at church, volunteered on the PTA, coached soccer (despite not knowing anything about the sport), and served on the Utah Hemophilia Foundation board. She was dependable and driven but never took herself too seriously. She had a sharp sense of humor and a stubborn streak-especially when it came to her dislike of water. (Bill liked to joke she would have preferred to shower with an umbrella.)

After receiving a bonus from work, she announced that she and Bill were taking up cycling and had already picked out two bikes from REI. That decision led to a new passion and, eventually, a trip to France for their 40th wedding anniversary, where they rode the legendary climbs of the Tour de France-including Alpe d'Huez.

She didn't slow down-she made time for everyone, especially her grandkids, who were her greatest joy. She had a trip to Croatia planned this fall with her good friend Trudy Ross, and her calendar was always full.

Shirley's first words whenever anyone in the family was going through something-big or small-were, "How can I help?" She loved fiercely and never wanted to miss a game or dance performance. She would often drive to St. George and back in a single day just to watch one. She took spouses, grandkids, and friends to New York for the thrill of it, and had Hogle Zoo passes so she could spend time and watch her grandchildren. Shirley loved her pets-and her children's pets too. Buzzy will miss his daily walks, while Proxmire, Winston, Woody, and Gordie will be waiting for their eternal ones. Her essence was serving others.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Bill, her 3 boys and 10 grandchildren, and her brothers Edward and Joseph Ney:

- Christopher Reed (Angela Etta), and granddaughters Ella Burl and Sophia Jean

- W. Bradley (Millie Ann), and grandchildren Carter Anthony, Wyatt James, Tommy Cash, Harper Thel, and Calla Grace

- Jeffrey Kent (Lacie), and grandchildren Bodie Thomas, Lola May, and Bauer Reed

In line with her commitment to science and education, Shirley donated her body to the University of Utah's Department of Neurobiology to help future medical professionals learn and grow.

The family is grateful to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Intermountain Medical Center who cared for her with skill and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Needs Beyond Medicine, a nonprofit that helps support cancer patients with non-medical expenses and provides education on cancer signs and symptoms (https://www.needsbeyondmedicine.org/donate).

Shirley wasn't showy or overly sentimental. She was practical, deeply loyal, and gave everything she had to the people and causes she believed in. She showed up. She did the work. And she made a difference.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wasatch 5th Ward, located at 1930 South 2100 East in Salt Lake City, Utah. The service will also be available to stream via Zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/96141986730