"Mother's hold their children's hands for a while, but their hearts forever" – Unknown

Shirley Marie Zurfluh (Anderson) passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Tacoma General Hospital surrounded by loved ones both in her immediate presence and connected virtually from afar.  Born in Howard, South Dakota on November 9, 1935, Shirley was a longtime Tacoma and University Place resident from an early age and ascended to heaven at the age of 87.

Shirley was a 1954 graduate of Lincoln High School and a regular organizer of their class reunions until their 64th in 2018.  She started her working life at Frisbee's Bakery on 38th street in Tacoma and as an assistant to her husband during tax season at Zurfluh's Business Service on South Yakima.  Shirley and Art bowled at Lincoln Lanes together through much of their early days.  She enjoyed camping and the great outdoors including years of family vacations in the comfort of a 16' Fireball trailer. In her later career, she joined first the Bookstore and later the School of Business Administration at Pacific Lutheran University and finished a long and wonderful career as an Executive Secretary and "mom" to every one of her PLU "kids."

Always a capable homemaker, she is known the world over for her chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, and the occasional apple crisp amongst other wonderful treats and elaborate meals. Shirley was always the most capable host! After retirement, she enjoyed her time with her 6 grandchildren as a dedicated fan no matter the weather at soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, dance, ballet, and baseball events over many years.  Grandma Shirley was always the best cheerleader!

Grandma Shirley was an avid reader and always had a book in her hand.  Up until the last moments and as she was able, she remained fond of her short, decaf, non-fat, no-whip mocha that was always her special treat and well known by the baristas at the local Starbucks. She was a simple soul and enjoyed all the little special things in life, not the least of which, her extended "framily" that included all the close friends of her children and grandchildren.

Shirley was also dedicated in her religious life and was a constant presence in the church choir for Mount Zion Lutheran, United Lutheran, and ultimately Mount Cross Lutheran.  Her life of service to the church was extensive and she was a regular every Sunday when able.  She taught Sunday School, helped with various projects, and was a participant in just about every event and activity over many decades.  In later years, she was also an active member of the Tacoma Rock and Gem Club, West Tacoma Optimist Club, and joined in supporting their various projects in University Place for youth and other service, including the UP Historical Society.  Her travels included Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, China, Japan, Thailand, Italy, Russia and many camping destinations across the entire western half of the United States.

Shirley joins her husband Arthur P. Zurfluh, Jr., who has awaited her in heaven since his untimely passing in 1995 after a 36 year marriage.  She also joins both Bonnie Gross and Sonya Fannings who both preceded their sister in their onward journeys.  She joins mother, Eva, and father, Selfred Anderson, as well. She is survived by sister Dorothy Wharton, brother Allan (Butch) Anderson and his wife Diane and their families, and by her children, Jon Zurfluh, Jan Levenseller, and James Zurfluh.  The extended family includes her children's spouses Emily, Terry, and Trina, respectively, along with grandchildren, Jaisen, Erin, Nate, Rachel, Dylan, Reece, and great-grandchildren, Beckett and Aspen. We also want to express our thanks to the wonderful caregivers over recent years including Home Instead, RiverRock, and First Place for Your Loved One. They were all instrumental in supporting mom through the final stages of her life.

In accordance with her wishes, a visitation will be held at New Tacoma Cemetery from 12p to 2p on April 21st with a graveside service at 2:30p.  We hope all will join us for a Celebration of Life and Reception to be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 24th at Mt. Cross Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the PLU School of Business and the Shirley Zurfluh Endowed Business Scholarship at plu.edu/tribute in Memory of Shirley that is awarded to an honored Business student each year.