Shirley May Holder

Shirley May Holder, a devoted genealogist and talented musician, passed away on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 84. Born on March 24, 1940, in Ucon, Idaho, Shirley dedicated her life to reuniting families and preserving histories through her work as a professional genealogist. Her passion for genealogy spanned her entire lifetime, reflecting her commitment to both the field and the individuals she helped connect.

Shirley was not only remarkable in her career, but she also excelled in her academic pursuits. She received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Utah, where she ranked in the top 10 of her class. Her accomplishments led her to be inducted into several prestigious honor societies, including Psi Chi, Phi Kappa Phi, and Golden Key National Honors Society, showcasing her academic prowess and dedication to her studies.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shirley had a deep love for music, particularly for playing the cello. She enjoyed making music alongside her late spouse, Richard Holder, and was proud to serve as the second chair in the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. This love for music brought joy not only to herself but also to those around her, as she actively shared her talent with others.

Shirley was known for her personable nature, which endeared her to friends, ward members, and countless others throughout her community. Her ability to connect with people and share in their lives greatly enriched her relationships and left a lasting impact on those who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Pat (Troy) Berube, Mark Malmin, and Matthew Malmin; her grandchildren, Jason Weber, Katherine Malmin, Christina Malmin, Ryan Dietrich, and Alanna Laster; and six great-grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Holder, her parents, Albert and Hazel Clegg, and two sisters, Leta Jones and Marlene DeBoisi.

A viewing will be held on October 25, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, located at 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.