Obituary of Shirley Elouise Gross Wheeler Marchbanks

Shirley Elouise Gross Wheeler Marchbanks passed away on June 18, 2014, surrounded in love at the home of her son, Malcolm Wheeler. She was born December 15, 1925 in Walla Walla, Washington, the fourth of four children to Myron W. and Charlotte Macomber Gross. Shirley married Robert Lee Lane Wheeler, a handsome Alabama soldier, on November 22, 1945, raising six children: Lesley Ann, Barbara Lee, Robert Lane, Malcolm Bruce, Peggy Elouise, and Alexander John. Shirley was a homemaker, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and so much more. As a young girl, she learned photography and many other life skills from her father as he taught her brothers through the Boy Scouts program. As a teenager, she did photography for the Army Air Forces, receiving a Civilian Service emblem, and as a young wife continued to keep her skills sharp for a local paper. Shirley was an artist and shared her passion with others, teaching them to paint first through a local parks program and many other venues, the last at Wesley Homes, Lea Hill. As a mother, she was active as a leader in the Girl Scouts program and as a den mother in the Boy Scouts program. Following in the footsteps of her father, Shirley explored many interests, including growing prize-winning chrysanthemums, an activity that her husband Bob also shared. Shirley was a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 9430 formed in 1947 in Skyway, Washington, and served as president from 1955 to 1956. Active in church since childhood and strong in her beliefs, all her children were brought up through the Methodist church Sunday school programs. Shirley served her church in many capacities wherever she lived (Walla Walla, Skyway, Remlap, Sequim, and Auburn). She worked with senior citizens and as a lay-speaker, delivering the sermon every other Sunday in Remlap, Alabama. With the help of many, she compiled a history of this church for its 150th anniversary, and created the art for a commemorative plate to go with it. It was here that she lost her husband Robert to a heart attack in 1987. Following the passing of her beloved first husband, Shirley was courted by Alvin York Marchbanks, and they were married September 21, 1989. Shirley found a lovely life together with this special, happy, whistling gentleman in Sequim, Washington. He was treasured and loved until his passing in 2001. In 2007, Shirley transferred to Auburn to be closer to her daughter, Peggy. Shirley believed in continuing education all her life. She graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1944, and in 1986 in Alabama began formal education at college level. When the chance to continue arose once more, Shirley seized this opportunity and achieved her goal, graduating with an Associates of Arts from Peninsula College, Port Angeles, Washington, in 2005 at the young age of 79! Shirley survived the loss of her daughter, Barbara; both husbands; her brothers, Alvin and Warin; sister, Helen; and a great-great grandchild, Destiny, with grace and love and a determination to continue her life through supporting her family and church. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by five children, 18 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Remember her in quiet days, not in grief, but with joy. The family suggests that donations may be made in Shirley’s honor to any one of these organizations: Providence Sound Home Care and Hospice, 3432 South Bay Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506; Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3697, Sequim, WA 98382; or Remlap United Methodist Church, 17259 Remlap Drive, Remlap, AL 35133. Please leave memories of Shirley or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.