Shirley Jean Thomas Moulton Burzynski

Shirley Jean Thomas Moulton Burzynski died peacefully at home on December 22, 2024 in Jackson WY at the age of 98. 

Shirley is survived by her children Sheila Boyd, Robert Moulton, Jim Moulton, and Debbie Ebat; Sibling Mary Douglas. She is preceded in death by her husbands; Reed Moulton and Matt Burzynski, children; Mary Ann, Reed Jr, and Charles. As well as children in law; Larry Boyd, Suzan Moulton, and Chico Ebat. Grandchild Shane Moulton and great-grandchildren; Brayden and Andrew Kent

Shirley was born Sunday, October 10, 1926, to Charles Henry Thomas and Mabel Julia Long in Rapid City, Pennington County, South Dakota. She married Reed Moulton after a brief courtship which included a long separation during WWII on August 27, 1945. After moving to a ranch at the base of the Tetons on Mormon Row in Wyoming, Shirley dedicated her life to raising her children, homesteading, and supporting her church. Over 18 years, the couple welcomed 7 children into their home. The Moulton family was known for being generous and practical, ensuring that stomachs were fed and help given if needed. Shirley always wanted the best for her family. 

Shirley was passionate about baking and candy making and often indulged in making cinnamon rolls. With her entrepreneurial spirit, she found a way to support her love of travel through the selling earthworms to a tackle shop. She took her family on many adventures around the US including parts of California and the Southwest. 

In the late 60’s, Shirley started working in Jackson to supplement the ranch income. She worked at several different companies around town but spent most of her career working in grocery stores. Shirley’s last job was at West Side Market where she finished her career as the produce manager at the age of 72.

Family was important to Shirley and she really looked forward to the family reunions. She was always involved in all aspects of the reunion helping with crafts and every meal even when it was not her turn. As her grandchildren grew up, she welcomed many of them into her home. One grandchild lived with her off and on while going to high school. Others joined her during summer breaks as they worked as teens and young adults in Jackson. She made sure that there was food and that they did the dishes for her. Fostering a sense of safety and independence for these youths. 

Over time great-grand kids came into her life and she tended them while their parents worked. In her 80’s, she was caught trying to show them how to do handstands. A couple of days before she passed, some of her last words were spoken to them: telling them she loved them, and good night even reaching out to give them hugs.

Her children remember Shirley as a dedicated mother who encouraged them to pursue their education and work hard. She had a sassy sense of humor who took time to teach her grandchildren to pick huckleberries; instructing them to pick, not eat them. Though Shirley was just as guilty popping more than a few in her mouth. 

She was an active and devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and often volunteered and served in various church positions. She was a dedicated member of the church community, often taking part in Monday night study and researching family history. 

The funeral is scheduled for11:30 A.M. on January 9 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 420 East Broadway, Jackson, Wyoming with a viewing from 10 AM to 11:15 AM prior to the funeral service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Shirley’s life. A viewing is also scheduled at Grand Teton Funeral Home in Driggs, Idaho at 786 Valley Centre Dr. Visiting hours will be from 6 P.M to 8 P.M. on January 8th. Shirley Jean Moulton will be laid to rest next to her husband Reed Lowell Moulton at the Victor Cemetery near Victor Idaho following the funeral service. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. Under designation: Click Other and funds go to Mormon Row, Under the Leave a Comment section Add that your gift is memorializing Shirley Moulton and funds should go to the Mormon Row District. https://www.gtnpf.org/donate/. 

To watch the funeral remotely go to Zoom.us/j/96864515564