Shirley H. Utley, 92, of Owensboro passed away Friday, March 28, 2025, under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of W. Kentucky. The Hancock County native was born March 13, 1933, to the late Paul and Mary Jones Keown. Shirley was a gifted athlete who enjoyed tennis and excelled in golf. She was the club champion twelve times at Windridge Country Club and runner-up in the Owensboro City Golf Tournament. Shirley retired as an Executive Secretary for Andy Anderson Insurance. She enjoyed flower gardening, painting, interior design, and was always fashionably dressed.
In addition to her parents, Shirley also was preceded in death by her brother, William Keown.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of thirty-four years, Joel Utley; two sons, Jeff Ham and Terrell Ham (Teresa White) both of Owensboro; three stepchildren, Stacey Utley of Owensboro, Craig Utley (Shelly), and Brian Utley (Seana) both of Tennessee; five grandchildren, Keeley Pennington (Mason), Justin Ham, Jeffrey Utley, Elizabeth Utley, Ashlyn McPherson-Utley; one great-granddaughter, Reid Pennington; sister, Carolyn Estes; numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be noon Tuesday, April 1, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with same-day visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service. A private burial will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Spirit’s Homestretch, 524 E. 27th Street, Owensboro, KY 42303.
Condolences and memories for Shirley’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com.