Shirley Hirzel, 73, lost her fight with cancer and passed away at home April 29, 2012, surrounded by her family. She was born July 23, 1938 in Lewiston, Idaho to Sheldon and Clara Hill. In 1959 she married Ellwood (Woody) Hirzel of Clarkston, Washington. Their first home was in Yakima, where she worked as a bank teller until their first child was born. In 1962 the family moved to Tacoma, where a second son was born. With two young boys, Shirley kept busy as a stay-at-home Mom. The final family move was to Olympia in 1967, where Shirley worked for Capital Savings and Loan and Great American Bank. She later worked as a Doctor’s receptionist. Throughout this time she also helped her husband maintain the three homes they designed and built in the Olympia area.

In retirement, Shirley enjoyed flower gardening, reading, family trips to Mexico and to the cabin they built on Lake Coeur d’Alene. She especially loved being involved in her grandchildren’s activities. She also provided loving care for elder family members, and worked on numerous Church activities and events.

She is survived by her husband Woody; son Mark and wife Sherry; grandchildren Nick and Stasha; and son Kevin of Olympia; sisters, Betty Hoferkamp and Dee Gay of Lewiston; brother, Stan and wife Diane Hill of Kendrick, ID, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held Tuesday, May 8, 3:00 p.m. at The Free Methodist Church, (Citadel), corner of Fairview St. and 7th Avenue SE, Olympia. Family suggests donations to Olympia Union Gospel Mission, The Free Methodist Church, or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Shirley’s online guest book is at (www.woodlawn-funeralhome.com).