Shirley R. Ellis, 71, left to meet with her Lord Jesus on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016. She passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family and friends.
Shirley was born Sept. 4, 1945, in Auburn, Calif., to Roger A. and Joyce Peterman (Yowell) of Aberdeen.
Much of Shirley’s childhood and early teens were spent in Brady, where her parents owned and operated “The Brady Store”. Shirley helped in the store, and learned from her parents. She graduated from “Brady Tech” and went on to Montesano High School.
In 1960, Shirley moved with her parents to El Sobrante, Calif. and enrolled in Richmond High School, where she met her lifelong best friend Carol, and they graduated in 1963. Shirley attended Contra Costa College.
Shirley returned to Grays Harbor in 1971, settling in Hoquiam with her three children, after her first marriage to Ronald Knight ended in divorce.
Shirley soon obtained employment with Harbor Thriftway where she met a frequent customer Jim Ellis.
On Sept. 30, 1972, Shirley and Jim were married in Hoquiam at the home of her uncle, James M. Yowell.
Because of her outgoing personality Shirley excelled at customer contact. She began her banking career as a teller at Peoples Bank in Hoquiam, and ended it, in 1995, as manager of First Western Bank in Carson City, Nev.
In addition to Harbor Thriftway and Peoples Bank, Shirley was also employed by Hoquiam Safeway, Ocean Spray in Markhan, and with her parents at Century 21 Peterman Real Estate.
In 1980, Shirley was diagnosed with a brain tumor which resulted in the loss of sight in her left eye. She bravely endured the original surgery, and nine more surgeries to save the sight in here right eye, until the final one in October, 2014, when she was declared totally blind.
Shirley loved to entertain and holiday meals were always sumptuous and invariably ended with too many dessert dishes that she prepared.
Shirley favorite pastimes were fishing, reading and watching NASCAR races. Her favorite race car driver was Kasey Kahne. Shirley loved 50s & 60s music and was an ardent fan of Elvis Presley. Her favorite song was “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers.
Shirley never met a stranger and absolutely loved visiting with people. Anybody that knew her loved her.
Shirley is survived by her husband James H. (Jim) Ellis of Aberdeen; five children, Allen Knight, Brant Knight, Julie Merrill all of Hoquiam, Joni Skinner of Cosmopolis and Christine Hill of Montesano; four grandchildren, Mike Hall of Aberdeen, Mason Skinner of Olympia, Christopher Skinner of Olympia and Laura Jones of Montesano; three great-grandchildren, Lance Skinner, Jesse Pullins and Jordan Pullins all of Olympia; brother, Randy Peterman of Nevada and her best friend of 55 years Carol Redmon of California. Shirley’s parents, Roger and Joyce Peterman predeceased her.
A private graveside service for immediate family was previously held at fern Hill Cemetery. A celebration of life/potluck is planned from 1 – 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Hoquiam Elks Lodge located at 624 “K” Street in Hoquiam.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations can be made to:
Washington Talking Book and Braille Library 2021 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98121 or KCTS9 Television 401 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109.
Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen was honored to assist the family. To share a memory or express condolences visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com.
