Shaylee Ann Rodriquez

Shaylee Ann Bice Mortenson Gryglas Rodriguez, lovingly known as “Shay,” passed away on January 13, 2025, at the age of 41 in Hyrum, Utah. She was born on May 20, 1983, in Ogden, Utah, to Bird (Bert) Andrew Bice and Sherie Lynne Williams. The youngest of seven children, Shay was adored by her four sisters and two brothers.

Shay was quick-witted, with a sarcastic and playful sense of humor that drew people in and made her unforgettable to those who knew her. She loved spending time in nature, especially watching the sunrises and sunsets and taking drives through the canyon. She was a country girl at heart and enjoyed spending time with horses and her dogs.

As the family’s “baby girl” Shay brought joy and laughter into their lives. Her oldest sisters loved styling her naturally curly blonde hair in creative ways. Shay, Alaina, and Justin, affectionately known as the “little kids,” shared their childhoods by riding bikes for countless hours and going on creative adventures. Her brothers often welcomed her onto their sports teams, where she impressed them with her speed, fierce competitive drive, and a softball throw that could rival anyone’s.

Shay attended H. Guy Child Elementary, South Ogden Junior High, Bonneville High School, and Weber State University.

She married Mark Mortenson, with whom she welcomed her first son, Takoda Skky. Soon after, Shay joined the United States Army to support her family. Her artistic talent and attention to detail earned her a position in a specialized welding unit, where she quickly rose to the rank of Specialist and discovered a passion for her craft.

Shay later married Richard Gryglas and they were blessed with her second son, Wyatt Slater. After Richard’s military retirement in 2016, the family moved to Michigan, where Donna and Curtis Swizert, affectionately known as “Uncle Curtis” and “Nana,” became their second family. Shay and Wyatt returned to Utah in 2018, where she achieved her dream of purchasing a home in Hyrum.

A talented welder, Shay found fulfillment in transforming raw metal into works of art. She worked at Dutro in Logan for several years before transitioning to AirGas, where her expertise and humor brightened her team’s days. Shay was known for her ability to lift spirits, often quoting movies to lighten the mood, like announcing boxes marked “Fragile” as special deliveries from Italy labeled “fra-jil-ee.”

Shay recently found happiness with the man of her dreams, John, who brought newfound joy and hope into her heart. Her family takes comfort in knowing she was filled with love and optimism at the time of her passing. Her family would also like to say a special thank you to Mary Anderson and Angie Wursten for their love and friendships with Shay. 

Shay is preceded in death by her father, Bird (Bert) Andrew Bice; her grandparents, William Richard Williams, Carlene Slater Williams Dame, Earlis Toy Bice, and Luella Mae Simonyi; and many other cherished family members.

She is survived by her sons, Takoda Mortenson (DeKoda Rosenberger) and Wyatt Slater Gryglas; her parents, Sherie (Russell) Carter and Lynell Bice; her siblings, Brittani (Michael) Linder, Melanie (Tom) Schatzel, Monica (Adam) Bay, Jared Bice, Justin (Erin) Bice, Alaina (Kylir) Horton, Brandee Lee, David (April) Carter, Blake (Kimber) Rosenbaum, Alyssa (Drew) Sanders, and Jeffrey (Rena) Hart; and many nephews and nieces. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Allen Mortuary, 420 East 1800 North, North Logan, Utah, with a viewing one hour prior. Shay will be laid to rest with military honors at the North Logan Cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.