Shirley Mae Russell Henderson

The Little Engine, who didn’t think she could as a child, shattered the glass doors of heaven as she entered on Tuesday morning, May 28, 2024. Shirley Mae Russell Henderson was born in the Salt Lake City, Utah, area on February 16, 1935, to John and Ethelyn Russell. She grew up with her seven siblings, who are all deceased: Randall, Rowena (Parks), Gayle (Murray), Loraine, Kenneth, Mary (Barney), and Joanne (Crowder).

Her first years of life were spent in Draper, Utah. The family then moved to Kuna, Idaho, where her father farmed. She graduated from Kuna High in 1953 as a valedictorian with a strong desire to attend college but chose to enter the work force to help support her family. 

She married Wayne Allen Henderson on May 26, 1954. Their first child, Shirlayne, was born in 1955, followed by Susan Hayes in 1957, Tamara (Mike) Greiner in 1958, and Michael in 1960. Belden Sherman, 8 years old, joined our family in 1971. 

In 1970, an opportunity presented itself to Mom for an all-expenses-paid minority education grant. Luckily for Mom, one spot remained unclaimed. She applied for the vacant position but was denied due to the grant definition of a minority. She appealed with an explanation that she is a minority because “she is a female.” She eventually was awarded the last spot and began college at the College of Idaho in 1970 while working and raising her five children. She graduated in 1974, Magna Cum Laude, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology.  She taught school in the Treasure Valley for the next three years while earning her first Master’s degree in Special Education at Boise State University in 1977. She then went back to school, while continuing to teach, to earn her second Master’s of Education from the College of Idaho in 1989 and graduated in 1991 with an emphasis in school and general counseling.

She then started the certification process to become a licensed, certified counselor until she retired from the Meridian School District in 2000. During this time, she started her private counseling practice, which she continued full-time until she retired at the age of 85. During her working career, she continually supported her children and grandchildren through their endeavors. Many sacrifices were made by the family for Mom to attend school, but our father, especially, supported her educational endeavors. 

She created wonderful memories and habits, which her family still recreates.  Mom passed away one day after seeking care for a sudden blood bleed. She passed with her family by her side, peacefully, quickly, and comfortably, as she had hoped. The comfort care that St. Luke’s provided was an amazing opportunity for us to spend her last hours together. 

Besides her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband, three grandchildren, Jessica and Tyler Henderson, Cody Hayes, and great-granddaughter Katie Mae Kotter.

She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served diligently. She is a woman of great faith and a champion for marriages and families, while setting an amazing example that women can achieve great things. 

If you are reading this, know that she loved you, as do we, as her family. If you knew her, you were fortunate; if you were ever able to receive counsel from her, you were blessed. Thank you for loving our mother and supporting us as a family. 

Streaming of her memorial service and tribute slideshow was professionally done by InMemorial.us and viewed by hundreds of people remotely.