Shirley M. Garthright

Shirley M. Garthright, 92 of Wakefield, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday, August 20, 2021 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Graceland Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be directed to meyerbroschapels.com.

Shirley Mae was born the daughter of John and Annabelle (Chase) Rager on August 23, 1928 in Winnebago, Nebraska. Shirley married Maynard Church in 1946. To this union Terry and Sharon were born. She later married Jack Garthright in 1964. To this union Todd and Kayleen were born and were joined by Carol, Mary, and Jack David.

Shirley lived in rural Hinton and Merrill for many years raising her children with Jack. Shirley, Jack, and the kids went on many cross country adventures, most memorable to Disneyland and to the Grand Canyon. When they were not traveling Shirley would babysit her grandchildren and the neighborhood kids. Shirley had a knack for sewing and embroidering and sold many pieces to area stores. Shirley was also an entrepreneur in the floral business. She sold Cattails, Lotus Pods, painted Pine Cones, and any beautiful weed she could find to local floral shops.

Shirley enjoyed many things in her life, traveling, raising animals, sewing, cooking, playing cards, trips to the casino etc, but the one thing she cherished most in this world was being surrounded by family. Shirley’s house was always filled with family, friends, love, laughter, coffee, and her phenomenal food. Shirley never met a stranger. She always had a pot of coffee brewing and a seat at the table just waiting for you. You would never leave Shirley’s house hungry. Shirley was an incredible cook. No one will ever forget the Pancakes, the Potato Salad, Cucumbers & Onions, the incredible desserts, most notable, the Rhubarb Torte and Fudge Cake.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Todd Garthright and Terry (Elaine) Church; step-daughters, Carol (Gary) Albert and Mary (Nate) Bartels; 12 Grand-Children, 26 Great Grand-Children, and 6 Great-Great-Grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; daughters, Sharon and Kayleen; step-son, Jack David; and her siblings.

Shirley’s love, compassion, and incredible smile will never be forgotten. (neither will the pancakes)