Shirley Ann Herring

On the afternoon of June 20, 2015, Shirley Ann Herring passed away peacefully at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming. She was comforted by her daughter and son-in-law. At the time of her passing, Shirley was 86 years old.

Coincidentally, Shirley was also born in Laramie, on December 15, 1928. She was the only child born to Helen Ann and Mandy Olaf Mathson.  Shirley's dad was a logger and her mother worked in the kitchen of the logging camp where Shirley helped out. During the school year, the family resided in Saratoga where Shirley attended school.

It was also in Saratoga where she happened to meet William (Bill) Herring who had just returned home from serving in World War II. They were married on October 30, 1946 and continued to live in the Saratoga area for many years. The Herring's had two daughters, Sherry Lee and Susan Ann.

Living in the Wyoming wilderness was certainly an adventure for Shirley. She loved camping and being in the outdoors whenever she could. This love of nature gave Shirley many experiences that she has shared with her family again and again. One favorite tale is of the hot summer night, Shirley and Bill had decided to sleep on the front porch of their little Wyoming home. As they were sleeping, something came and began licking Shirley's face.  Thinking she would open her eyes and see her dog as the culprit, she pushed it away.  She was very much surprised to discover it was not her dog, but a bear instead. The commotion of Bill and Shirley trying to get back inside must have scared the bear away, but it became a story shared in laughter with her children and grandchildren.

Bill and Shirley loved to travel and they fell in love with the Oregon coast. In 1972, they decided to move to Gold Beach and remained there ever since. Shirley worked at Curry County Hospital as a nurse, where her calm, sweet and compassionate nature served her well. Shirley became close friends with a group of her fellow nurses that shared in the same love of outdoor adventures as she had. These brave ladies went on several outings along the Rogue River Valley where they backpacked, camped, and enjoyed floating along the river together.

Shirley was always the best hostess. Her kitchen was always prepared for company with a fresh pot of hot coffee and cookies ready to be served. She truly never met a stranger and loved everyone she met. When it came to her family, she was a source of love and comfort throughout her life.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Bill and her daughter, Susan.  She is survived by her daughter, Sherry and her son-in-law, Donald Fessler; as well as all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A very special thank you from Shirley's family to Ross Bell, a long time friend to Bill and Shirley, as he was always there to lend a helping hand and looked after both Bill and Shirley.

A graveside service was be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2015 at Rogue River Cemetery, Hunter Creek Loop in Gold Beach, Ore.

Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed online at http://www.redwoodmemorial.net.