Salina, Utah - Mary “Evelyn” Rasmussen Shields was born on February 18, 1937, in Salina, Utah, to Maurice Ferrell Rasmussen and Therresa Colby Rasmussen. She passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, in Gunnison, Utah, surrounded by her loving family.

Evelyn was raised in Salina and graduated from North Sevier High School, where she developed her talents and love for cooking, sewing, and quilting—skills she would continue to use throughout her life to care for and serve those she loved.

On October 7, 1955, Evelyn married the love of her life, Jerold Gates Shields, in the Manti Utah Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, hard work, and traditions that would eventually be shared with generations of their family.

Evelyn called Salina home for much of her life. In 1998, she and Jerold moved to Sandy, Utah, where she remained for many years. In 2024, she returned to Gunnison, Utah, where she lived until her passing.

Evelyn was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her faith was an important part of her life. She served faithfully in her ward, including helping prepare and maintain the ward bulletins and serving as the ward chorister for many years.

She was incredibly talented with her hands and found great joy in creating things for the people she loved. She cooked countless meals for her family, sewed clothing for her children, nieces, and nephews, and created exquisite quilts that will continue to be treasured by her family for generations. She also enjoyed serving her community as an election judge.

Evelyn was no stranger to hard work. She helped her father, Maurice, and later both her brother, Rodney and her husband, Jerold, with their construction companies. There wasn’t much she couldn’t—or wouldn’t—do. She could be counted on for everything from keeping the books to running the roller and chasing redheads. She was hardworking, dependable, capable, and always willing to jump in wherever she was needed.

Those who knew Evelyn also knew about her love for Diet Coke. It was rare to find her without a 12-ounce can somewhere close by. It was one of those little things that simply became part of who Grandma was and will undoubtedly bring a smile to her family whenever they see one.

One of Evelyn and Jerold’s favorite traditions was going out to eat every Sunday following church. Whether it was Chuck-A-Rama or Golden Corral, Sunday dinner became their tradition. As the years passed, it also became a favorite tradition for their grandchildren, as Evelyn and Jerold frequently invited the family along and treated everyone to dinner. What may have seemed like a simple Sunday meal became the setting for countless conversations, laughs, and memories that their family will cherish forever.

Above all else, Evelyn loved her family. She showed that love through a lifetime of service—the meals she prepared, clothes she sewed, quilts she created, traditions she established, work she performed, and the countless ways she cared for those around her. Her family was the center of her life, and the legacy she leaves behind can be seen in the generations that follow her.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter, M’Shelle Shields Shaw of Salina, Utah; sons Jeffery Shields of Salina, Utah, and Patrick (Annie) Shields of Sandy, Utah; sister Janet Beach of Salina, Utah; brother Brad (Kathy) Rasmussen of Hurricane, Utah; as well as 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerold Gates Shields; their son, Stewart Shields; son-in-law, Brett R. Shaw; granddaughter, Amelia Faye Shields; her parents, Maurice Ferrell Rasmussen and Therresa Colby Rasmussen; her parents-in-law, Ellaroy and Hilda Shields; her brother, Rodney Rasmussen; sister-in-law, Eunice Rasmussen; brother-in-law and sister, Lyle and Kathren Taylor; and brother-in-law, Neil Beach.

Although Evelyn’s passing leaves an undeniable emptiness in the lives of those who loved her, there is comfort in knowing she has been reunited with so many who went before her, including the love of her life. Her family will carry her with them through the traditions she created, the things she made with her own hands, the lessons she taught, the stories they will continue to tell, and the love she gave so freely.

The family is deeply grateful for the love, kindness, and support shown during this time.

Funeral services for Evelyn will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 16, 2026 at the Salina Creek LDS Ward Chapel, 87 South 100 East. A viewing will be held prior to services from 11:00-12:30 PM at Springer Turner Funeral Home, 150 East Main Street in Salina.

Livestreaming will be available at springerturner.com under Evelyn's obituary 15 minutes before service starts.

Burial will be in the Salina Pioneer Cemetery under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.