September 24, 1926 – September 14, 2024
Shirley Florence VanDeripe was born in National City, California to Charles Howard and Esther (Lindvig) VanDeripe. Shirley was followed by a baby brother, Robert (Kathy) VanDeripe. Shirley graduated from Sweetwater High School in National City before attending San Diego State University. She was a graduate of San Diego Business College. She worked as an office manager for Associated Brewers while living in Long Beach. Shirley married Richard (Dick) Allen in 1960 and they were happily married for 56 years. They resided in Garden Grove for 26 years before moving to Apple Valley in 1988. After Dick’s passing in 2017, Shirley moved to a senior community in Corona.
In Orange County, Shirley involved herself in many activities surrounding her children, including the PTA at Enders-Fremont Elementary School, Bell Junior High and Pacifica High School in Garden Grove. She was a recipient of the California PTA Honorary Service Award. She taught Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church of Garden Grove, was active in the West Garden Grove Little League, served as an adult leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, and was an officer in the West Garden Grove Federated Women’s Club supporting college scholarships for graduating high school students. Shirley was also an active participant in the Long Beach Republican Woman’s Club and the California Republican Assembly.
After Dick and Shirley moved to Apple Valley in 1988, Shirley was a member of the Apple Valley city incorporation drive, Apple Valley Police Advisory Committee, International Footprint Association, the Victor Valley Republican Club and the Assistance League of Victor Valley. She was a member of the Community Church at Jess Ranch and served on the Missions Committee. Dick and Shirley enjoyed traveling around the U.S. and on several cruises in their retirement years.
Shirley Allen passed away in Riverside, California on September 14, 2024 just 10 days shy of her 98th birthday. Full of encouragement, gratitude, courage, and faith, Shirley spent her last days with family and close friends. Shirley leaves a legacy of deep love and care for her family and friends. She will be remembered for her welcoming hospitality, interest in others, laughter, and encouraging cards and letters.
Shirley is survived by her son Tom Allen (Denise) of Riverside, CA and daughter Susan Waechter (David) of Gilbert, AZ along with four grandchildren: Christian Waechter of Queen Creek, Arizona; Nina Fenno (Jake) of Mesa, Arizona; Daniel Allen (Charissa) of Tustin, California and Matthew Allen-Kang (Sandra) of Los Angeles, California, along with two great granddaughters.
Memorial services will be private. Condolences and memories can be expressed at the tab below on this website. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to St Jude Children's Hospital or the Assistance League of Victor Valley.
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