PLEASE NOTE: This obituary is being placed on our website as a courtesy to the family. Hullinger Mortuary is not handling any part of these services.
Our stubborn, occasionally Margie Simpson–sounding, fiercely loving mother, grandmother, and friend, Shelly Sue Jackson Powers, passed away peacefully on the evening of January 15, 2026, in Flagstaff, Arizona, after a short but valiant fight with cancer.
Shelly was born on May 11, 1964, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Shirley and Wesley Jackson, the youngest of four daughters. She spent her life loving loudly, teasing relentlessly, and making sure everyone around her knew exactly how much they mattered.
Shelly is survived by her four children: KC (Krishia) of Winslow, AZ; Donald (Tysen) of Vernal, UT; Kevin (Kayla) of Chandler, AZ; and Wesley (Ashley) of Magna, UT. While she loved her boys dearly, she had a special place in her heart for the daughters she inherited along the way.
She is also survived by her two sisters, Sherri and Jodie, both of Cedar City, UT, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Becoming a grandmother was one of Shelly’s greatest joys—she was absolutely beyond the moon about it. She is survived by her 13 grandchildren (yes, 13): Kaydence, Traxton, Nikki, Garrett, Alexander, Maxx, Madison, Nadeen, Todd, Micheal, Liam, Ava, and Brier. Every single one of them knew how deeply they were loved—Shelly made sure of that, telling them every chance she got.
Shelly loved to tease and gave her boys a hard time whenever possible. The daughters joined right in, and family banter often ended with laughter and someone being just a little butthurt—(Donald) but who’s keeping count? Even when being stubborn Shelly was “sometimes” willing to apologize.
In her younger years, Shelly was a gold medalist swimmer, a passion she enjoyed returning to later in life. She was talented at crocheting, loved playing board games with her grandbabies, and cherished visits with both old and new friends. She had a soft spot for China Star, where she formed a treasured friendship with Jane Pan. She hated mushrooms and would groan loudly when her kids tried to sneak them onto her plate. Her drink of choice was Pepsi with ice, and she loved camping, the mountains, and her cat Chester “the Cheeseball.”
While those who loved Shelly will miss her immensely, we take comfort knowing she is no longer in pain and is reunited with her sweetheart.
Shelly was preceded in death by her sweetheart Cyrus, her parents Shirley and Wesley, and her sister Jerri.
Per her wishes—and one last hope for a hot, smoking body—Shelly was cremated. No formal
services will be held. Her ashes will be spread in the mountains, exactly where she wanted to be.
She made it very clear she did not want to be duck hunting for the rest of eternity.
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