Shirley Mae Somerville's Obituary
Shirley Yingst Somerville was born in Buhl, ID on August 21, 1942. She died March 26, 2012, in Saint Helens, Oregon at Meadow Park Specialty Care Center.
Her parents were Olnia William and Imogene Allred Yingst of Buhl, ID. She is survived by her husband Dallas Somerville of Saint Helens, OR, daughter Kathi Kevin Sanders of Beaverton, OR, son, Jim Somerville and Curren Trusty of Pasadena, MD, one grandson, Aidan Somerville, a granddaughter on the way, and four granddogs. Also surviving is one sister, Nadine Yingst, of Boise, ID, and one brother, Max Jan Yingst, of Twin Falls, ID. She is preceded in death by her parents.
Shirley graduated from Buhl High School in 1960 and went on to attend Twin Falls Business College. Upon completion she moved to Pocatello, ID, and began work for the Railroad Retirement Board and FMC Corporation. While attending evening classes at Idaho State University in Pocatello, she met Dallas Somerville and married in September 1963.
In 1972 Shirley and Dallas moved to Saint Helens, Oregon. Shirley has never met a stranger and it was no problem fitting in. She soon made many life-long friends. With her friendly and fun-loving personality she was always up for anything.
Shirley immersed herself in community activities. She was President of the Lutheran Church Women LCW for two years, taught Sunday School at First Lutheran Church, trained acolytes, coordinated the Mother-Daughter Tea at the church for several years, taught aerobics classes, delivered Meals on Wheels, and sang in the church choir. Because of her love for children, she volunteered countless hours as a duty aide and playground supervisor at McBride Elementary School. Much of the A/V and playground equipment for the school was made possible through the fundraising efforts organized by her. She also found time to serve as neighborhood captain for the American Cancer Society and actively participated in the PTA.
Shirley was an avid gardener; her herb garden was the envy of everyone. She loved to knit and crochet loved animals of all kinds and rescued numerous cats and even a baby duck, enjoyed canning delicious jams and jellies from fresh-picked berries every summer, and preparing and attending large family dinners.
Shirley was truly a very giving, kind, and loving person. With her big, wonderful smile she always made you feel welcome.
Memorial contributions may be made to Columbia Humane Society or St Helens Senior Center.
Funeral services will be held at First Lutheran Church in Saint Helens, OR: 360 Wyeth St., Saint Helens, OR at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, March 29th followed by a committal graveside at Bethany Memorial Cemetery.
The viewing will be on Wednesday, March 28th, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Columbia Funeral Home: 681 Columbia Blvd, Saint Helens, OR.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?