Shirley Jean (Shockley) Schuller

Shirley Jean Schuller passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2023, in Moses Lake, Washington, where she had resided since 1957.

Shirley was born in 1931 in Yakima, Washington. She was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Irene Shockley and granddaughter of E.J. and Lula Shockley, who were early pioneers. She was the great-granddaughter of Hugh and Mary Ann Wiley who homesteaded the present area of Wiley City, Washington.

Shirley attended grade school in Wiley City, riding her horse each day. She graduated from Yakima Senior High in 1950.

Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Frank Schuller, in 1952. They spent three years living in Florida at Eglin Air Force Base where their first daughter, Ann, was born. After leaving Florida, the family returned to Washington and settled in Moses Lake, where they welcomed their daughter, Sandi, and sons Howard and Wade.

While raising her family, Shirley provided 25 years of service at Simplot Soilbuilders and spent nine years as the leader of the 89ers 4-H Club. After retiring from Simplot, Shirley enjoyed many part-time jobs, including the position of the first office secretary for the Moses Lake Roundup. She also worked for 11 years with Hospice and spent time working at Lakeview Florist and Red Rock Creek Furniture.

Shirley was a past member of the Tampico Saddle Club, Appleland Cowgirls, and Eagles. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary 209, the Moose Lodge, Warden Community Church and the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington Chapter No. 8.

Shirley’s family remembers her as a faithful, strong and wise woman as well as a kind, gentle mother and grandmother who was steadfast in times of joy and sorrow. Her radiant smile and borderline mischievous laugh left you knowing there was no one like her. She kept busy with a quilt, a book or some other project, and she always looked for the best each day.

All who knew Shirley will also remember that her greatest joy was cheering on her kids and grandkids in all their various events and activities. Shirley also loved to quilt. In addition to the beautiful creations cherished by her family, she also donated Military quilts through the American Legion and made Western quilts for her adopted cowboys – Bruce, Brady, Josh and Uriah – and countless more quilts for friends. Traveling was another favorite hobby and included trips to Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and 28 of the 50 states. She also loved researching genealogy and connecting with her family.

Shirley lived a life filled with love, family and great friends. Thank you to all who were part of it. In her final days, she left us all with a special message:

“Now it’s all over and I am where I want to be. Frank and I are together again. So dry up any tears you’ve shed and get on with life. Love – Laugh – Remember me every so often with a smile. Goodbye all my family and friends. Be happy that I’ve finished my race and I’m where I want to be.”

Shirley is survived by daughter Sandi (Doug) Berg of Spangle, Washington; son Howard (Brenda) Schuller of Warden, Washington; son Wade (Heather) Schuller of Moses Lake, Washington; son-in-law Dick Ross of Moses Lake; grandchildren Steven (Karen) Orvik of Spokane, Washington, Brian Oakley of Moses Lake, Washington, Niki Berg of Marietta, Georgia, Stacy Stefan (Roeder) of Moses Lake, Washington, Casey Jo (Brian) Jeske of Spangle, Washington, Kari (Jay) Deitering of Kennewick, Washington, David (Wilsar) Schuller of Baltimore, Maryland, Jeanette Schuller of Moses Lake, Washington, Michael Schuller of Seattle, Washington, Jessica (Rocky) Warwick of Moses Lake, Washington and Josh Brown of Moses Lake, Washington; 16 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and special sister-in-law Janet Schuller of Moses Lake, Washington.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, brother Kenneth Shockley, husband Frank, daughter Ann Ross, granddaughter Shawnna Roth and grandson Scott Berg.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a date to be determined. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as we remember Shirley with love.

Please express your thoughts and memories at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories of Moses Lake, Washington.