Shirley Garrelts

Shirley Garrelts, a resident of Springfield, OR, passed away in the early hours of June 13, 2024. She died quietly at home with family close by. She was 83 years old.

Shirley was born in Susanville, California on February 4, 1941. She was the daughter of Clarence and Mary Clayton. She had two older siblings: Evelyn and Richard. All of whom have preceded her in death. At some point, her family moved to Oregon where Shirley attended school. It was through her high school friend, LaVon that she met her future husband. 

Shirley and Harold were married on June 20, 1959. They settled in a house in Springfield…This is the same house that Shirley passed away in. Harold and Shirley had a busy life. While Harold worked for Southern Pacific Railroad, Shirley was a homemaker for her three children, Cynthia, Mickey, and Gregory. 

As the children became teenagers, she began to work outside the home in sales. She worked at Hickory Farms and then for Harry Ritchies Jewelers for many years. When she was ready to slow down and only work part-time, she went to work as a bus aide for the Springfield School District. She worked there until she decided to retire.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Harold, and her son, Mickey. She leaves behind her daughter, Cindy, her son, Greg, her daughters-in-law, Cindy (her primary caretaker), and Sheila, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.A memorial service will be held for Shirley at Camp Creek Church (37529 Upper Camp Creek Rd, Springfield, OR 97478) on Saturday, July 20th at noon. Anyone who would like to spend time remembering special times with Shirley is welcome. We will also be taking time to share special memories about Harold during this time as well.