Shirley Elizabeth Carver

Shirley Elizabeth Carver, resident of Moses Lake, left her earthly existence on March 4, 2020, surrounded by family members. Shirley was born in October 1931, the only child of Kenneth C. Russell and Velma E. Russell in Ballard, Washington. In 1941 Shirley moved to Bremerton, Washington, and graduated from West High School. Following graduation, Shirley was employed in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a machine operator. In 1955 Shirley married Robert Carver at the First Presbyterian Church in Bremerton, Washington, and they later moved to Silverdale, Washington, where she enjoyed being a homemaker for many years. Shirley enjoyed country and western music, western movies, bowling, traveling, playing the accordion, swimming and raising horses, along with having many cats and dogs. More than anything, Shirley loved her children and grandchildren. She was also a lifetime member of the Eagles Lodge.

Shirley enjoyed the food service industry. During the Korean Conflict, she worked as a canteen operator in the Puget Sound shipyard. Years later she worked at the Bangor Submarine Base, the Bremerton School District, Sandpoint Navy Exchange cafeteria and Seattle VA Hospital in their food service department.

In 1991, Shirley moved from Bremerton to Moses Lake, Washington and worked at Big Bend Community College in their cafeteria and later worked nine years at the Heartstone Assisted Living Center. Her most rewarding experience was serving as a devoted caregiver for one of her family members.

Shirley had a big, caring heart and frequently made sacrifices of her time and resources to ensure that family members were acknowledged on their birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and other special occasions.

Shirley is survived by Michael (Julie) Carver of Alpine, Utah, Steve Carver of Moses Lake, Washington, Ken Carver (Sheri) of Seattle, Washington and Lori (Javier) Loera of Moses Lake, Washington. Shirley has six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Velma Russell, grandparents and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

A private funeral service was held on March 13 at the Washelli-Evergreen Cemetery in Seattle. Burial arrangements were under the direction of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories in Moses Lake and Washelli-Evergreen Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington.

A special thanks to the Columbia Crest staff for all their support during her last nine months or her life.