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Shirley Ann Wood, 71

Shirley Ann Wood passed away peacefully at home in Maryville, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020. She was born in Fall River, Mass. on Aug. 25, 1948. Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Randall P. Wood; step-mother, Charlene R. Wood; mother, Nellie R. (Mary) Lees; and daughter, Kim Sylvia-Niman.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Wendy (Tony) Stansell; her companion and best friend, Marilyn J. Garrison; grandchildren Cody (Cassie) Kitts, Lindsey (Darin) Fisher, Kylee (Fiancée Bryce Lockwood), Chad (Stephanie) Niman and Blake (Kristin) Niman; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as seven siblings: Eleanor (Arthur) Gagnon; Glenn (Barbara) Wood; Donna Petty (Douglas Bunce); Karen Wood; Sue (Danny) Clancy; Barry (Christine) Spooner and Keith Spooner.

Shirley was raised in Westport, Mass., and moved to El Cajon, Calif., with her husband and daughter, Kim Marie, before daughter, Wendy Renee, was born. Shirley worked with her mother and step-father at their garden nursery in Lakeside, Calif., and held a few other jobs until she found the job she loved the most with Buck Knives.

Shirley was devoted to her career for 39½ years (she won’t let you forget that half-year!). She wanted to make it to 40 years with Buck Knives, but God had other plans for her. She began to have health issues that finally made her retire. Shirley loved to talk to everyone and would often talk “a mile a minute,” sometimes running words together! She became famous for running words together, such as “and that,” which sounded like “Annette.” Chuck Buck would tell her that he couldn’t fire her because he would lose two employees — Shirley and that “Annette”! When Buck Knives moved to Post Falls, Idaho, she finally got to meet “Annette.” She was her new neighbor and they got along great!

Shirley was a beacon of light that people loved to be around. She was funny, caring, entertaining and easily made friends with everyone. She would talk to anyone about anything! Shirley was always on the GO, never to be slowed down. You could always find her working in the yard and playing in the dirt.

Shirley will be sadly missed by all.