SHIRLEY HURST, 78
Shirley Innes Hurst, a beautiful woman of 78 years, went to be with her Lord on September 6, 2013. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters sustained her through the pain of eight months of lymphoma.
Shirley was born in Fresno, CA, on April 12, 1935. She married her high-school sweetheart, Don (Aaron Donald Davis), in 1955, with whom she spent a memorable year in France on a USAF base. With Don she had two children, her son Max and her daughter Jan. They lived in Modesto, Fresno and San Diego and enjoyed dozens of camping trips to national and state parks.
In 1976, Shirley and Woody (Rolland Wood Hurst) were married. Their 37 years together were graced by a month-long visit to Scotland and England, numerous trips in their motorhome, and a large, extended family that provided her with lots of joy and love: Woody’s children Jeanne, Linda, Becky, and Allen, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all the spouses.
Shirley’s lively spirit began on her childhood farm in Chowchilla. A Pekinese named Molly, her horse, and the Caracol lambs on the farm were the first of many animals that Shirley would love and enjoy. Her yellow lab Harley and miniature Schnauzer Freddy, along with the many birds she has fed in her yard, will miss her.
At times fearless, she drove her father’s pickup as a young teen, adored roller coasters, learned to ride a Honda in her 30’s, dreamed of sporting a floppy hat while driving a convertible, and was forever tormented by CDA’s slow speed limits.
An accomplished musician, Shirley started her musical training at an early age. In addition to being a gifted pianist, she played clarinet and saxophone in the high school band. Receiving her degree in music and education from San Jose State, she applied her talents to teaching piano for many years, as well as serving as a church organist.
Shirley had a great eye for beauty and often said she wished she had gone into photography instead of music. Her wonderful pictures captured flowers, landscapes, animals and people with an uncanny flair for the right moment. She loved antiques, and her decorative touches made the house a truly pleasant, homey place.
Shirley was a computer whiz. Even during her last hospital stay she requested a stylus so she could use her iPad to check her email, Facebook and Caring Bridge. She loved spending “time with the girls,” going antiquing, exploring country roads, drinking mochas, or simply sharing dreams. She was a real “people person” and became her liveliest and most stimulated around other people.
Shirley was truly a loving and supportive wife, whom Woody will sorely miss. Lively, strong, and enthusiastic, she kept the household well organized. Yet she was also gentle, warm, compassionate, sensitive, beautifully feminine, and a wonderful partner.
Shirley was guided by her deep faith in Christ. She touched the lives of many people with her smile and generosity, and maintained her sense of humor all the way to the end.
Please join us on Friday, September 20 at 11:00 AM for a Celebration of Life service in the First Presbyterian Church of Coeur d’Alene, 521 Lakeside Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. Remembrances can be made to the Church as an appropriate and appreciated way to celebrate her love of the Church and its members. Flowers are also welcome. Yates Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and you may visit Shirley’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com