Friends and Family - It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Bonnie Marie Shirley, a beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, at the age of 74. Surrounded by her family, Bonnie departed peacefully on April 11, 2024, at her home in Marysville, Washington, following a courageous battle with pancreatic and lung cancer.
Born on February 1, 1950, in Polson, Montana, to Roy Lee Olmstead and LaVaun Marie Buchholz, Bonnie was a beacon of strength and resilience throughout her life. A proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in 1968, she embarked on a journey full of love, adventure, and hard work.
On Valentine's Day of 1998, Bonnie's heart was united with that of Roy M. Shirley in the picturesque settings of Big Bear, California, marking the beginning of a cherished partnership. Bonnie's professional life was as diverse as it was fulfilling. From entrepreneurship of owning and operating her own upholstery shop to serving guests at a casino in Arizona, and assisting customers in retail stores, she embraced every opportunity with dedication and vigor. Her ventures led her to live in numerous places, including Montana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Germany, California, Kansas, and Arizona, enriching her life with experiences and friendships.
Beyond her professional achievements, Bonnie's zest for life was evident in her hobbies. She found joy in being with her grandchildren, exploring the desert in her Jeep, marveling at classic cars, trying her luck at casinos, engaging in crafts, shopping, and sharing her playful, sassy spirit with the younger generations.
She is predeceased by her parents Roy and LaVaun Olmstead, three brothers, Donald, Robert “Bob”, Bruce Olmstead and Husband Roy Shirley.
Bonnie leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter including her son and daughter-in-law, James “Jim” and Staci Shannon of Marysville, WA; her brother, William “Bill” and Pat Olmstead and JoEllen Olmstead (sister-in-law); her grandchildren, Tristan and Morgan Shannon, Austin Shannon, Cheyanne Shannon, Cody Shannon, Hailie Shannon, John Serio, Seth and Sarah Paul—as well as numerous adopted grandkids over the years. Her nieces nephews, cousins also were greatly loved.
She came to know just after her last birthday that her first great granddaughter is due to be born sometime this summer, most likely in late August.
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PSALMS 73:26
"My flesh and
my heart faileth:
but God is the
strength of my
heart, and my
portion for ever."
KJV
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