Shirley Mae Spencer
March 11, 1936 - May 11, 2021
Obituary
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and teacher as well as an active member of her church and community, Shirley Mae Spencer went to be with the Lord on May 11, 2021. Born on March 11, 1936 in Ellensburg, Washington to Elsie Marie Butler and Barney Barton Barkley. Shirley was a 1954 graduate of Sunnyside High School where she was an accomplished saxophone player. She went on to graduate from Washington State College (currently known as Washington State University) in 1958 earning a degree in Education. She earned her 5th year at Western Washington University while dating her future husband Ralph. She grew up with her sister Dorothy (Gregory) and was active in the Rainbow Girls.
Shirley married Ralph E. Spencer on August 5, 1961. They moved to Burien Washington, then Normandy Park, where they raised their family and resided until Ralph retired from Boeing. Shirley had a long career as a schoolteacher in the Highline School District, spending many years teaching 1st grade at Midway and then Parkside Elementary Schools. Shirley and Ralph had two daughters, Kim, born during a snowstorm on New Year’s Eve, and Julie, who came into the world so quickly that she was born at home with Ralph delivering the baby. When Ralph passed away in 2013, they had been happily married for 51 years.
Shirley was a very active member of Southminster Presbyterian Church where she was baptized and became a member with Ralph in 1965. She enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and of course, the fellowship with the other congregants whom she loved seeing every week.
In addition to being a devoted mother and teacher, Shirley loved traveling with her family and with friends. She enjoyed many family vacations with Ralph and the girls in their camper, exploring many beautiful places on the west coast. After retirement, Ralph and Shirley explored the United States in their motorhome and made two trips of a lifetime: one to Australia and New Zealand and the second was a tour of Europe. Shirley was known for her love of table games, especially Pinochle and Mexican Train, and for being an avid reader. In retirement, Shirley enjoyed socializing with friends in the Red Hat Society and visiting with the many friends she had made throughout her lifetime.
Although Shirley led a rich and active life, nothing brought her more joy than her six grandchildren: Lauren, Mark, Emma, Chase, Carston, and Camdyn. She loved watching them participate in their activities, volunteering in their classrooms and spending holidays together.
Shirley is survived by her two daughters and their families: Kim Gerardi and her husband Don (Lauren, Mark, and Emma) and Julie Gamble and her husband Troy (Chase, Carston, and Camdyn) as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Gregory and her husband Ralph. She will be missed by so many friends and family who loved her.
A memorial service will take place at Southminster Presbyterian Church on June 18th at 11 am. Shirley will be laid to rest with Ralph at the Washington Memorial Cemetery in SeaTac.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.