02/03/2026
Shirley Stewart Harrison
July 13, 1943 — February 2, 2026
Vernal/Clive, Iowa
Shirley Stewart Harrison, 82 of Vernal, Utah/Clive, Iowa passed away on February 2, 2026.
She was born July 13, 1943, in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Her parents were William and Ethel Stewart. Shirley was the oldest of three children and was joined in childhood antics by her sister Linda and brother Robert. Shirley had an incredibly special relationship with her grandmother, Mary Thompson, which she treasured.
Shirley was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was continually active and involved in the church her entire life. She taught in Primary, Sunday School and served in the scouting program where she influenced many and brought others closer to Christ. As a convert to the church, missionary work was important to Shirley, and she paid for more than one missionary to serve and share the gospel.
Shirley married John C.K. Buker, they had nine children. Mark, Matthew, Mary, Meah, Michelle, Macey, Myra, Marshall, and Milton. Shirley and John later divorced.
Shirley attended George Harvey Vocational school and was educated in Home Economics. She worked at Uintah County School District for more than 30 years putting her skills to use to make it a wonderful learning environment for staff and students.
Shirley met and married her eternal companion, Doyal Harrison May 12, 1989, and gained three bonus children Mike, Cheryl, and Deanna. Later Shirley and Doyle were sealed in the Vernal Utah Temple. Shirley and Doyle had great fun together with their joint love of horses and horse activities.
Shirley was incredibly talented and loved to crochet. She made beautiful doilies that are treasured by many. She also made many blankets for all ages that she gave as gifts of love.
Shirley loved attending school plays, outdoor theater, western movies, and she enjoyed music. She also enjoyed being a ministering sister to many and treasured those friendships.
Shirley spent the last few years living in Iowa with her son Milton and his family. She enjoyed their excursions and loved the memories they made.
Survived by children Mark (Tanya) Buker of SLC, Matthew (Laurie) Buker of Queen Creek AZ, Mary (Darren) Kirby of South Jordan, UT, Meah (Dan) Wilson-Autry of Stansbury Park, UT, Michelle Bristol of Vernal UT, Macey (Traci) Buker of Herriman, UT, Myra Van Leuven, Vernal, UT, Marshall (Kirsten) Buker of Orem, UT and Milton (Stephanie) Buker of Clive, Iowa, step daughters; Cheryl (Brent) Birchell of Vernal, UT, Deanna Harrison of Vernal, UT, sister Linda Reid of Ontario Canada, 34 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by Doyle, her loving husband, her parents William and Ethel Stewart, her brother Robert Stewart, and stepson Michael Harrison.
The viewing will be held Saturday, February 21st from 10:30am to 11:45am at Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. Funeral service will follow at 12:00pm. Blackburn Vernal Mortuary 15 E 100 N, Vernal, UT 84078
Interment will be at Vernal Memorial Park following services.