Shirley Mae Newell, 72, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, November 30, 2008.
She was born on July 2, 1936 in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Everett & Bessie Blount Hannafious.
Shirley was raised and attended school in Sioux City until following family to Seattle in 1955.
On March 23, 1957 she was united in marriage to Richard Newell in Seattle and they made their home in the Seattle area until moving to Sedro-Woolley in 1968.
When times were tough Shirley worked part time at Hal’s Drive In and her children have great memories of their Dad taking them to dinner there.
She later worked as a quality control inspector for National Frozen Foods for many years until she retired in 1996.
Shirley enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in their various activities. She sat through many concerts, athletic events and dance performances, and was always glad to be there.
She also enjoyed gardening, sewing and reading and was a longtime member of the Central United Methodist Church where she was involved in many church activities. She volunteered with the March of Dimes and the Open Door Community Kitchen.
She and Richard also enjoyed traveling, taking cruises to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico and many other places.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dick, at the family home. Five daughters, Vickie Newell and Karen Newell of Sedro-Woolley, Susan Ackermann and her husband, Evan of Mount Vernon, Kelly Gomez of Mount Vernon and Jennifer Johnson and her husband, Luke of Sedro-Woolley, and her son, Michael Newell and his wife, Teresa of Burlington. Eleven grandchildren, Heather Shipley Ryan, Miranda Peterson Michael, Misty Schmidt, Rachel Grimbly, April Newell, Ryan Ackermann Christina, USMC Sergeant Tyler Ackermann currently in IraqDonna, USMC Lance Corporal Kyle Ackermann Camp Pendleton, Bethany Ackerman James and Travis & Victoria Gomez. Nine great-grandchildren, Makayla, Josh, Mollie, Mason, Anthony, Weston, Dillon, Zachary and Benjamin and one more on the way. A sister, Bette Jorgenson of Tacoma and several nieces and nephews. She was met in heaven by her parents, Everett & Bessie and her brother, Don Hannafious.
Shirley fought a long battle with COPD with dignity and grace; we are very grateful for the time we had with her. Although she will be greatly missed by her family we realize that she is resting peacefully and we will see her again.
The family request that memorials in memory of Shirley be made to the Central United Methodist Church, 1013 Polte Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 or the Open Door Community Kitchen, in care of the church.
A Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Central United Methodist Church in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Marilyn Kallshian officiating. Private inurnment will be at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.