Shirley Godderidge Fabricius

Shirley Godderidge Fabricius passed away peacefully at her home in Newton, Utah on October 22, 2023 at the age of 86.   She was born to William Godderidge Jr. and Alice Effie Gamet Godderidge on March 23, 1937 in Smithfield Utah.  She was raised in Smithfield where she spent many hours as a typical child playing with friends, adoring her older brothers and sisters, and working on the family farm with her father.

Shirley graduated from North Cache High School and shortly thereafter started a job at the Smithfield Budge Clinic as a receptionist.  It was at the Budge Clinic that Shirley met Rodney Knute Fabricius, a fine young man that had just returned from a three year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark.   Their courtship led to a marriage proposal, and Shirley and Rodney were married on June 7, 1957 in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Shirley and Rodney eventually moved to Newton Utah where together they raised their family of 5 children and served in the community they loved.   Shirley was a faithful, lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoyed serving in many different callings throughout her life.

Shirley may have been best known for her work in the Newton Post Office.  In 1970 she accepted the position of a part time flexible employee.  This flexible position allowed her the opportunity to work on Saturday mornings and other days as requested by the local Postmaster.  This position allowed her the time to take care of her young family and at the same time help support the family financially.  In 1983 she became the Postmaster of the Newton Post Office until she retired on April 2, 2004.  Shirley developed many strong friendships during her years  in the post office.  When Shirley retired she often commented that she did not miss the work, but missed all the great people.

If there was one word that described Shirley, it would be service.  She found great joy in serving her family and her friends.  She often took elderly widows in town for a ride on a beautiful afternoon or would stop for a visit and bring a treat.  She was always cooking a meal, hosting sleepovers for the grandchildren,  writing encouraging notes, and she always kept a stash of everyone's favorite treat.  In 1984 her husband Rodney was diagnosed with cancer and in December of 1987 Rodney had a fall that left him paralyzed from the waist down until his death on October 28, 1993.  Through this difficult period of nine years, she faithfully provided for their financial needs as well as providing the support and care for Rodney.

Shirley had a great love of the outdoors and especially loved to plant flowers.  She created her own secret garden, secluded in her backyard, where she could find peace and solitude.  She loved sharing her secret place with her grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by her 5 children:  Deby (Kelly) Norton, Kent (Sandra) Fabricius, Jedd (LaDawn) Fabricius, Kirsten (Jeff) Noyes, Greg (Janet) Fabricius.  She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband Rodney, parents William and Alice Effie, great grandson Zack Marx, three sisters Fern Hansen, Thelma Conley, Aleen Wood, and four brothers David  Godderidge, William Godderidge, Keith Godderidge, and Charles Godderidge.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 28 at 11:00 a.m. in the Newton 1st Ward Chapel, 76 South 100 West, with a viewing held just prior to the funeral service from 9:30 to 10:30 on Saturday October 28, 2023.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH FUNERAL LIVESTREAM