Shirley Earnshaw, 81

Shirley Margaret Earnshaw, 81, of Spokane, Washington, passed peacefully March 12, 2026, at Cedar Ark Adult Family Home.

Born Jan. 15, 1945, in Cle Elum, Washington, to Carl Nobel Eyre and Bernice Peggy Eyre. After graduating from Whitefish High School in 1963, Shirley married Gerald M. Osborne. Later in life, after establishing her career, Shirley married John M. Earnshaw, in 1984.  

Shirley worked at Mountain Bank in Whitefish for several years. After moving to Spokane, she worked several jobs before settling on her career. Eventually, Shirley became a respected manager at the Travelers Insurance call center in Spokane. 

After retirement, Shirley worked at a fabric store to fund her passion for quilting. Whether it was our childhood clothing or an award-winning quilt, sewing/quilting was her ultimate passion. Mom was quick to speak of her athletic talents and many hobbies. From tennis to racquetball, she excelled at all she did. Eventually, she settled on running and competing in half marathons.

Armed with a library of self-help books and cookbooks, Shirley was proud to announce she was a strong, independent woman. With a triple tap of a puzzle piece, she wasn't afraid to gloat. 

Shirley is survived by her three children, Kelli (Dean) Ronish, Steven (Denise) Osborne and Vickie (Scott) Chumley; five grandchildren, Jinise, Nicole, Josiah, Jerod and Chad; three great-grandchildren, Jameson, Judd and Maeve. In her marriage to John, she added to her family two stepdaughters and five grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Nobel Eyre and Bernice Peggy Eyre; sister, Charlotte Shupert; husband, John and granddaughter, Mariah.

True to her strength and athleticism, mom fought a hard battle with myasthenia gravis. It is with much joy that we add she professed her faith in Christ and was baptized in 2025. Please celebrate with the family at the thought that Mom is making an Elvis quilt in Heaven today. 

There is no plan for a service at this time. 

The family is forever grateful for the physical and spiritual care mom received at Cedar Ark and wishes for all memorials to be gifted to: Cedar Ark Adult Family Home, 10931 N. Iroquois Dr., Spokane, WA 99208, 425-827-0894