Shirley Anne Crowther Hardman

Shirley Anne Crowther was born July 6th, 1931 in Washington D.C., daughter of Don Q. Crowther and Mary Irene Swofford. She is the eldest child with younger brothers, Duane Swofford Crowther and Norman Del Crowther.

Her growing up years were mostly in Vienna and Arlington, Virginia, where she attended elementary and high school. She became an informed citizen of our country, growing up near our nation’s capitol and was proud “to be a Virginian.” She attended Washington Lee High School and went on to study at BYU. She loved her college days and enjoyed a time as a radio broadcaster. This ignited her passion of current events and announcing the latest happenings. She always kept us all abreast of the latest ongoings from politics, cultural events and theatre. 

In the summers she returned to Virginia where she worked for the Hot Shoppes as a secretary in the Pentagon. Here, she met her future husband Heber T. Hardman, who was stationed in Virginia in the army. 

Shirley believed in the power of initiative and intention. She always related the love story of when she found the most handsome man in the ballroom. She planned to strategically send him “thought waves” to attract his attention. Shirley’s thought waves were strong enough not only to attract this handsome soldier as a dance partner but also as an eternal companion.

Heber and Shirley were married in the Logan Temple, May 28, 1954. They made their home at 157 N. 500 W. Logan, Utah (affectionately known as “157”). Four children were born to Heber and Shirley: Dawna Lyn, Marcia Lee, Jonathan Wayne and Paul Christopher. She inspired learning and education and believed in making opportunities happen for her children. Many mornings were spent around the kitchen table learning a new vocabulary word and practicing stringed instruments before breakfast. Their home was filled with fairy tales and nursery rhymes and memories of festive gatherings from tea parties to Dr. Seuss tales and shows from the theatre and Broadway’s Golden Age. 

She shared in celebrating her husband’s career as a civil engineer in the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Together they owned the Lazy H Ranch. She often reminded us of Heber’s advice: “Love and take care of your land because they ain’t making no more.” She honored their life together as a “city girl” and a “country boy” as Heber enjoyed farming and cattle raising as she cultivated family gatherings, civic events and celebrations.

Shirley maintained a supper club for over 50 years connecting dear friends from early married years. She loved her community and always felt inspired to contribute to “making the world a better place.” Greatly involved in her community, she held a seat on the board of Cache Alliance for the Varied Arts and ran the arts program at the Whittier School, creating dance studios and Hollyfair art festivals in the building to inspire young artists. She held membership in the American Legion Auxiliary and served among the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She advocated for civic duty and worked mentoring aspiring young women in the Girls State program.

She loved travel. Among her favorites places were Colonial Williamsburg, repeat visits to England (connecting with her heritage) and going to the Holy Land (having had the privilege to see Christ’s tomb.) Her appreciation of art and excellence saw her curating and collecting pieces from across the world (from Harrods to Old town Temecula and Seattle swap meets.) Many often said when entering her home it looked like a museum! She was a “lioness on the hunt” of fine historical treasures. She collected precious mementos; tea sets, candelabras, flags to celebrate our patriotic legacy and commemorate her travels. 

She loved to decorate the outdoors just as much as the indoors. She loved potting red geraniums (every year that adorned her home) and appreciated orange roses and poppies. Always a stand-out herself, she would seek to connect in conversation with anyone she met, engaging in the most spirited interactions and joyous experiences. 

She cultivated a love of music and the fine arts among all her posterity, but it didn’t stop there! In fact, anyone visiting her home was warmly welcomed and had best be willing to “take the stage.” Many remember stepping on the front porch and enacting impromptu productions to Shirley’s delight. However, one of the finest occasions occurred after the famed fire at 157. Shirley encouraged a first responder to burst into song (becoming a viral YouTube hit!) https://youtu.be/nimw9gCdIXI

She has left a treasure trove of memories curated in her home with notes left behind to educate and commemorate the importance of each life lesson and worthwhile experience. 

Even in her own words, Shirley documented her love of teaching and making a world of opportunity happen for those she loved. 

“As long as I can remember, I’ve been involved in events and activities for, with and about youth. I guess I’m like Peter Pan and “won’t grow up!” Whether it’s 4-H or scouting, primary or M.I.A., young people and ‘show biz’ are my first loves. Put the two together and you got the perfect combination. Teaching, directing, costuming and producing the entire package of singing and dancing, are satisfying activities to me. Perhaps the special sparkle of youth, their assurance that ‘it can be done’ if they try hard enough and their willingness ‘to make it all happen,’ serve as inspiration for me. Since I firmly believe that my first responsibility is to my own family, my interest in youth activities has allowed us to do much together… Over and over at different times, in different places and with different people, entertaining and inspiring others in one way or another is what I’ve been all about!”

She bravely acknowledged and announced that she would be “graduating” to the next life soon and hoped to do so “with honors.” Her family unanimously agreed and affirmed that she will leave this life with the highest honors, as the beloved “Shirley the Great”, mother, grandmother and family matriarch.

She is preceded in death by her husband Heber, her parents and her youngest brother, Norman.

Heber Thomas & Shirley Anne Hardman - Posterity

Children: Dawna & Scott Campbell, Marcia & Lamar Jacobs, Jonathan & Laurie Hardman, Paul & Janae Hardman

Grandchildren: Roger Campbell, Kelley Richardson, Kara Hill, Richard Campbell, Kimberly Campbell, Jennifer Isaacks, Jaquelyn Ball, Jessica Cornelison, Amy Hardman, Heather Maloney, Heidi Taylor, Holly Bendall, Jason Hardman, Shirae Hardman, Shaelyn Hardman, Christopher Hardman, Matthew Hardman, Jeremy Hardman, Anthony Hardman, Audesty Bingham.

Great- Grandchildren: Sadie Campbell, Spencer Ford, Kate Richardson, Andrew Ford, Davis Richardson, Kenna Ford, Kolette Richardson, Roman Richardson, Carter Hill, Karoline Hill, Katherine Hill, Cameron Hill, Coleman Hill, Hudson Barrett, Adrienne Isaacks, Emmett Isaacks, Mason Martinsons, Keira Ball, Morgan Martinsons, Asya Ball, Phoebe Ball, Adeline Ball, Ezra Cornelison, Heber Cornelison, Elizabeth Cornelison, Naomi Cornelison, Athena Maloney, Mirrin Maloney, Iry Maloney, Finn Maloney, Samantha Taylor, Amelia Bendall, Laurie Bendall, Katie Bendall, Locke Hardman, Graison Hardman.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the Mendon City Cemetery 95 N. Main St. Mendon, at 2pm. A visitation will be held prior at Allen-Hall Mortuary from 10am - 12pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary 34 E. Center St. Logan. 

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