In Memory: Shirley Ehrhardt Atkinson, Age 97
Salt Lake City, Utah – Shirley Ehrhardt Atkinson passed away on December 24, 2020.
She was born September 22, 1923 in Jamaica, Queens, New York to Raymond P. and Emily Strohmer Ehrhardt.
She graduated from Hunter College in New York City with a degree in Chemistry in 1944, and worked in the Ultraviolet and Infrared Spectroscopy Laboratory at Interchemical Corporation for ten years prior to her marriage to John Robert (Bob) Atkinson on January 24, 1954.
During her children’s school years, she volunteered at the schools in various areas, particularly in the College and Career Room of Rye (New York) High School, and was involved in the Women’s Association at Rye Presbyterian Church where she served a term as president.
After the family’s move to Salt Lake City in 1979, she became a member of the Newcomers Club for thirty years, joined Chapter A of P. E. O. in 1983, was a deacon and elder at Wasatch Presbyterian Church where she was Clerk of Session for 14 years. She was also an active member of Presbyterian Women.
She was an avid genealogist maintaining many large scrapbooks of family pictures, records and memorabilia as well as information in the Reunion website. She also enjoyed reading, watching baseball, sewing and crafts which included many cross stitch projects, and knitted lap robes and children’s hats.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Atkinson. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Ramsay (Chris) of Belton, Missouri; sons Donald Atkinson of Salt Lake City, and Thomas (Donna) of Draper; three grandchildren, Megan ( Jeremiah) Rittmiller, Gregory (Cynthia) Ramsay, Liam Atkinson; and three great grandchildren (Abigail, Evelyn and Katelyn).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Wasatch Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1626 E. 1700 S, Salt Lake City 84108.
