Shelly H Luke

Shelly H. Luke, a loving wife, devoted mother, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully at her home in Heber City, Utah on Wednesday evening, May 7th, 2025. Her deep love for her family, passion for learning, and creative spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew and loved her.

Born to Francis Harrison, Sr. and the late Nyda Martinez Harrison on September 29, 1958, Shelly was one of the eldest granddaughters of Walter and Lavada Harrison and Bertha and Bard Sulser. She loved her parents and grandparents dearly. The oldest of six children, she was an example in her academic and spiritual devotion. She was a good elder sister to her three younger brothers and two younger sisters – though they will tell you that she never shied away from putting them “in their place” or making them fully aware when disagreed with them on a given matter! Nevertheless, she cared, greatly for all of her siblings.

Shelly was a homemaker in the truest sense: her home was a haven of warmth, caring, and service. She found joy in the simple things in life: sewing, crocheting, quilting, and baking. She often gifted her handmade creations to those for whom she cared.

Autumn was not only the season of her birth, but also her favorite of the four seasons. Shelly loved crisp autumn days, and insisted on gathering all of her kids for a family photo in the autumn leaves when they were young – despite their many grumblings and protests, as they became teenagers. Fall was the time when she began listening to Christmas music in early (some would say too early!) celebration of her favorite holiday. She honored this beloved holiday with heartfelt traditions, meaningful - and often homemade - gifts, as well as with an abundance of joy.

Shelly had a lifelong love of learning and firmly believed in the value of continuing education. She had an enduring passion for reading, journaling, letter-writing, and studying history. A bright and driven student, she was accepted to Brigham Young University - a point of pride that reflected her commitment to personal growth and learning. While she ultimately chose to dedicate her life to becoming a wife, mother, and homemaker in lieu of attending college, she never stopped continuing her education on her own, enrolling in correspondence and online courses throughout her life. In these courses, she studied Shakespeare, history, English, and LDS studies.

Her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was something which Shelly greatly valued and honored. She enjoyed performing temple work with her husband whenever she was able. Throughout her life, she served in myriad callings in the LDS church, including Primary President, Relief Society President, and Compassionate Service Leader, among many other leadership positions. Her friends, neighbors, primary students, and others often commented on how her service positively influenced their lives and the lives of their families. Shelly loved studying the Book of Mormon and other scripture so very much that she attended classes and discussion groups to learn and share her feelings about the Savior and the gospel. Her greatest joy, however, came from sharing her faith with her primary children and her grandkids. One could find her scriptures open on her lap any time of day, the vast majority of the verses highlighted in color code based on topic. When she wasn’t studying scripture, she was watching gospel devotionals or listening to General Conference talks. She never passed up an opportunity to share her spiritual knowledge and faith with her friends, neighbors, family – and even complete strangers.

Shelly was preceded in death by her mother Nyda Harrison and her brother, James Lee Harrison. She is survived by her beloved husband, Allen F. Luke, Sr., and their children: Allen Jr. (Heather), Melissa (Shawn Lund), Jacob (Lindsie), Cody, and Colton (Alycia). She is also survived by her father, Francis Harrison, Sr., and siblings: John (Tammy) Harrison, Francis Harrison Jr., Penny (PJ) Hair (Lance Owens), and Sally (Greg) Martinez.

Shelly will be remembered for the love and dedication she gave to her family, the beauty she created with her hands, and the example she set through her quiet strength, intelligence, service, and enduring faith. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her loved ones, especially in the hearts of her dearly beloved grandchildren: Abby Jo, Caleb, Avery, Maeli, Ella, Paden, Kylie, Ethan, and Mykah.

During the final months of her life, Shelly and her family were so very grateful for the skilled, compassionate surgeons, doctors, and caregivers who helped her throughout her challenging – though, thankfully, brief - journey with cancer. The Luke & Harrison families would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Alli Straubhar and Dr. Rich from Murray IHC, as well as to her Applegate Homecare & Hospice caregivers, Christine, Chad, and Heidi.

A viewing, funeral, and celebration of Shelly’s life will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Heber 6th Ward building, located at 1365 E. Center Street in Heber, City, Utah. The viewing is scheduled from 9:00am-10:30am on Friday, and the funeral will commence directly afterward at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness and support for education in her memory.


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