Shirley Ann Arthur, 85
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 3 years, 9 months AGO
Arthur
Shirley Ann Arthur, 85, died peacefully on March 20th from kidney failure.
Shirley was born July 23, 1936 in Dovray, MN to Julius and Mary Spielman. One of her many siblings arranged a date for Shirley with Dale on St Patrick’s Day 71 years ago. Dale also grew up in Minnesota not far from Shirley. Her 16th birthday became their anniversary when they eloped to Cd’A, Idaho, July 23, 1952 (Dale was 19). This year would have marked 70 amazing years together.
She was first a believer in Jesus. Then wife, mother, wage earner, creative brain for all projects, maid, bus driver, crafter, seamstress, painter, etcetera, and a uniquely talented quilt maker. Many of her hand stitched quilts won ribbons at the fair - some grand champion or best in show. Her quilts were amazing.
Shirley loved to have company, cook, have parties, play card games, make music, host Bible Studies, and teach others how to sew and quilt. Laughter came easily to her as it did to all the Arthur family. The house was always filled with strays that needed a little extra love and attention although some just came for a good meal!
Shirley and Dale were like an old pickup truck. It had to have an engine in the front and brakes in the back to make the truck run well. That was how they operated. Always together and needing each other for balance in every life work. Starting Arthur’s Garden in Rathdrum, raising Emus, being a maid and a butler for a wealthy couple, building a mini storage in Gillette, Wyoming, or working on church projects and ministries with passion because of their love for Jesus, it was always in tandem.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Dale; children, Dewey of Idaho, Peggy Eggart of Washington, Andy (and Marcia) of Washington, Jason (and Lilly) of Oregon, and Kelly (and Shannon) of Washington; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren; sisters, Donna and Dorothy of Minnesota; and brothers, Dave of Oregon, and Julius of Washington. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; and six siblings.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, March 30, at 2:00 PM at Yates Hayden Chapel at 373 E. Hayden Avenue. Friends and family may gather one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls, Idaho.
Arrangements provided by Yates Funeral Home. On-line registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.