Shirley Mae (Thurlow) Gerken, 71

Shirley Mae Gerken, 71, passed away from complications of multiple myeloma on Feb. 16, 2007.

She was born on Aug. 31, 1935, in Sandpoint Idaho, to Hugh and Eva Thurlow. She was raised in Sandpoint the youngest of six children.

Despite her fathers warning to stay away from those "wild Gerken boys," she fell in love with Arnold K. Gerken. They married on Nov. 26, 1955. They lived on the road in a trailer while Arnold worked on gas pipelines across the Northwest.

With the addition of their third child in 1962, it was time to settle down. They built their home in Richland, Wash. It was here that they raised their three children, and where Shirley had many happy times with her six grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Granny."

Shirley worked as an accounts payable clerk for J.A. Jones and Kaiser Engineering until she retired in 1992. In retirement, she and Arnold spent many summers in Montana at Lake Koocanusa, and traveling with the "Roamin Elks" travel club.

She enjoyed playing cribbage, bridge and any other game that involved cards. Shirley always looked forward to ladies night out, and the occasional trip to Vegas.

Shirley never met a stranger, and she never missed a chance to let you know about her children and grandchildren, a short trip to the store could stretch into hours, as she always saw someone she knew.

All who had a chance to know her will dearly miss Shirley.

Shirley is survived by her children Mark A.Gerken (Anne), and Marsha Skogley from Richland, and Arnold H. Gerken (Dawn) from West Richland, Wash.; her six grandchildren, Katie Phillips (John), Crystal Skogley, Alex Skogley, all of Richland, Cori Gerken and Andrew Gerken of West Richland and Mark R. Gerken (BreeAna) of Knoxville, Tenn.; a great-grandson, Josh Phillips; sisters, Beverly Paul (Del) of Libby, Mont., and Donna Collinson from Tacoma, Wash.; a brother, Gene Thurlow (Jenny) of Sandpoint; numerous nieces and nephews; and her loving cat, Leo.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 1/2 years, Arnold K. Gerken; her parents, Hugh and Eva Thurlow,; a brother, Jerry Thurlow; and a sister, Evelyn McNearney.

Memorial service will be held at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007.

Memorial contributions can be made to the National Cancer Society.