Shirley Ann Thuerk

Shirley was born on October 8, 1926 in Evanston, Illinois to Robert and Ethel (nee Anderson) Stewart. She graduated from Evanston High School in 1944, and worked as a secretary until becoming a full-time wife, mother and homemaker.

Shirley met the love of her life, Ervin Donald Thuerk, in 1943. They were married on April 19, 1947, and started their family while living in Evanston and Skokie, Illinois. They went on to raise their family of four children in Arlington Heights, Illinois. In 1976, when Erv retired as an executive with Jewel Food Stores, they moved to southern California, where they spent the rest of their years together.

Over the years, Shirley was actively involved in various organizations including PTA, League of Women Voters, Republican Womens Club and book clubs. She was an excellent bridge player and it was a passion of hers. She loved sports, especially the Chicago Cubs, and was thrilled to see the team win the 2016 World Series. A lover of music, she appreciated various genres, with a favorite being big band music and jazz. Most important to her was her faith and her family, and she cherished time spent with her husband, children and extended family.

Shirley is survived by her husband Ervin; daughters Sherry Douglas, Kathie (Ronald) Chesnut, and Donna (Bruce) Norman and son Scott (Daisy) Thuerk; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Ethel Stewart, sister Roberta Ebaugh, and brother Kenneth Stewart.

A Funeral Service was held: Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church in Santa Clarita, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

Graveside Service: Wednesday, October 11, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL 60076.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

Santa Clarita United Methodist Church

26640 Bouquet Canyon Road

Santa Clarita, CA 91350