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Shirley Ann (Stengel) Almas, 74

On the afternoon of June 11, 2018, surrounded by her family, Shirley passed peacefully into her Savior’s arms. She was eight days shy of her 75th birthday.

Full of life, laughter and love, Shirley was the matriarch of the family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and even a great-grandmother (“GG”). She was a best friend, sister and daughter. Her charisma and sass could light up any room she walked into. Shirley was a trusted, loyal friend and very dedicated to her family. She was loved beyond measure by her family and friends.

Born in the small town of Opportunity, Wash., on June 19, 1943, to Fern (Maine) Stengel and LeRoy Stengel and sister, Rita, Shirley spent her early years growing up in North Idaho. She graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1961. She pursued additional education in nursing at Long Beach, Calif., and then returned to North Idaho, taking various courses at North Idaho College. She used the nursing education later in life as she cared for her ailing sister and father-in-law.

Shirley spent many years working in the restaurant and hospitality industry before retiring from working as a prep cook at Kootenai Medical Center. She was 73 years old. She would have continued working if it were up to her. However, her fourth round of cancer forced her to retire. Shirley was a strong woman and a fighter when it came to battling illness. Breast, lung and brain cancer didn’t stop her from living her life to the fullest in serving others. She was a hard worker and always put forth her best at everything she did.

Shirley loved her job and making people smile, but her favorite job was being a wife and mother. Shirley also loved being a grandma and “GG.” She was filled with joy anytime her grandchildren were around. She had five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. All of her granddaughters are named after her.

Her favorite hobbies were crocheting and making silk wreaths. She took great pride in making beautiful things for her friends and family.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Fern and LeRoy Stengel; sister, Rita Stengel and father-in-law, Dewey O. Almas. She is survived by her loving, quick witted, faithful husband, Dewey P. Almas; two daughters, Raelynn (Chris) Good of Vancouver, Wash., and Trisha Anderson of Hayden, Idaho; grandchildren, Tyler Anderson, Tia DuVall, DeAnne (Daniel) Stone, Christina Good and Megan Weaver; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Colton, LiLee, Lucas, Sawyer, Nathan, Isaiah and Jackson.

A private graveside service will be held in Post Falls, Idaho.

For those who wish to give a gift in honor of Shirley, please consider a donation to Hospice of North Idaho, www.honi.org. The family wishes to extend extra, special thanks to CNA Lynn and Nurse Lori for their wonderful, watchful, loving care.

English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please sign her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.