Shirley J. Boesen

08/05/1931-11/01/2023

Shirley left this world peacefully on November 1, 2023. She was a loving and caring wife, and mother. She was and is much loved by her husband Ronald and daughter Diana. In Nebraska during her first years, Shirley was adopted by Ada and Ray Shankle. Her oldest brother, Buster, named her. The family moved to Oklahoma during WW2. Her father and uncle traveled to Tacoma, WA to find work and housing for their families. Shirley and her mother, aunts and cousins then moved to Tacoma. She graduated from Stadium High School in 1949 and as a young woman she was a Church pianist.

Shirley and her husband Ron met while members of the singing group The Clef Dwellers. They married in February 1976. Shirley retired from the Port of Tacoma after 27 years of service. She and Ron also owned and managed rental duplexes in UP for many years.

Shirley enjoyed dancing, singing, sewing, crafts, cooking, growing plants, and flowers. She loved helping and adopted any stray kitty that needed a home. She and Ron enjoyed traveling to several beach towns in Mexico. For many years they owned a timeshare in Port Townsend, WA, staying there frequently.

Shirley is survived by husband Ron, daughter Diana, stepson Randy, and daughters in-law. Jodi and Jane, grandchildren, nephews Mike (Syndi), Rick (Barb), Danny, David and nieces Patty and Debbie. She is preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, Eugene (Buster) and William, sisters-in-law Kay and Dona, aunts, uncles, cousins and 2 stepsons, Lonnie, and David.

Shirley requested that no funeral service be held but she was laid to rest on  November 7, 2023, at New Tacoma Cemetery in University Place, WA.

Memorial donations in Shirley's name can be made to:

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County

www.thehumanesociety.org