Shirley Ann Ralston, age 85, passed away on March 29, 2023. Shirley was born on January 15, 1938, in Mobile, Alabama. She met the love of her life, Robert Dempsey Ralston, while they both attended PSJA High School in the Rio Grande Valley. They married on June 1, 1957. Shirley’s main priority in life was her family. She loved planning vacations, especially to Hawaii, or going anywhere her four grandsons played baseball. She enjoyed her time working as a court reporter in Hidalgo County for many years. After retiring, she and her husband graced the halls of Pflugerville ISD campuses, working as substitute teachers. They became fondly known as “The Grandparents of Hendrickson High School.” Shirley will be missed by anyone who was blessed to be in her presence.
She is preceded in death by her father, John Porter Sr. and granddaughter Kristen Nicole Ralston. She is survived by her husband of almost 66 years, Robert; her mother Fedil Porter; brother John Porter Jr.; daughters Lisa Kelso (Charles) and Tere Tidwell (Jeff); grandsons Landan, Kevin (Whitney), Blake (Amanda), and Chandler (Allison); great-grandchildren Anderson, Audrey, Hudson, Landry, Weston, Wyatt and Walker; nephews Joss, Michael (Amanda), and John; and a host of family, friends, and neighbors who will miss her greatly.
Services will be held on Sunday, April 2 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar, Austin, Texas beginning at 11:30 am. The family requests that attendees wear Hawaiian shirts or bright colors to honor Shirley’s bright personality and love for Hawaii.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Hope & Grace Hospice and The Wesleyan Memory Care in Georgetown. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Shirley’s name to Hope & Grace Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Aloha, Nanny Girl…we will always love you.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Ralston family.
