Shirley Brown

Shirley Brown was welcomed home on Oct. 28, 2019.

Shirley was born in Libby on Dec. 14, 1936. She grew up with her many cousins and spoke fondly of her childhood. She met the love of her life, Russell Brown, while he was in the Air Force and stationed in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. They married on June 15, 1956, and their adventure began.

They lived in Japan from 1957 to 1959. They also lived in California, Georgia, Montana, Alaska and Oregon before settling in Washington State. Their travels took them to Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

Shirley was a kind and loving woman. When you walked in her home you received a warm welcome, kind words, laughter, a game of cards and a Pepsi. She was always there for anyone who needed advice or a friendly ear. She delighted in the good fortune of others and was a mighty prayer warrior for those in need. Those who were lucky enough to have her in their life were better for knowing her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Brown, her parents, Herman and Eva Wilkinson, and brother, Stan Wilkinson. She leaves her two daughters and son-in-laws: Tammela and Michael Namet, and Lorna and Todd Ottmar; grandchildren: Lorna and Alfy Sprenger, and Cody and Rachel Crum as well as honorary grandkids Kevin and Erika Lewis; great-grandchildren Brennen, Andre and Makieli Sprenger and honorary great-grandchildren Zoey and Elliot Lewis. She also is survived by her sister, Lyla Kelly, and many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.

We will celebrate Shirley’s life at Yates Funeral Home at 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden Lake, Idaho, 83835 on Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow.