Cira Louise Shoemake

Cira Louise Shoemake passed away on February 19, 2024, from a heart attack caused by a rare occurrence of Coronary Artery Disease at the age of 23. She was born in Plano, TX but moved to Walla Walla at 3 months of age along with her parents Jeanine and Steve Shoemake. She attended College Place schools, Lincoln High School, and Walla Walla Community College. Like many, those formative years presented significant challenges for Cira. As her parents, we could not be prouder of how she persevered, learned from, and gained strength through those times and had become a loyal, loving and compassionate young adult, with a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Cira’s talent for art and music became apparent in her early years. At age three and a half she had taught herself (by ear) to play “Ode to Joy” on the keyboard. She took piano lessons with Mrs. Koch for several years, and her performances at recitals were always remarkably beautiful. Her favorite musical expression was singing, which she began while at Davis Elementary School and continued through middle school as a member of the choirs lead by ReNae Davis. Cira thrived on performing. Cira’s art was a constant companion throughout her life. Although she rarely shared it, drawing was her primary release and source of joy. She loved anime and manga which greatly influenced her style of illustration. She really loved all things Japanese and Korean -- food, culture, entertainment, Cosplay, etc. Samples of her work will be displayed at her “Celebration of Life” gathering.

During high school she met Rodney Outlaw and was one of the inaugural members of the Walla Walla Music Organization (WWMO). Rodney was a steadfast mentor and friend to Cira, and his support played an important role in completing high school. Cira also loved her dear online friends. Two of them, Josh and Shelby (who live in Michigan) became very special to her. They were much more than just gaming friends; they made her life better. Cira also had a number of friends that she kept in touch with from Lincoln High School who greatly enriched her life. We are deeply indebted to each of these people for loving Cira and improving her life.

She is survived by many family members including her Grandparents, Rodger and Ginger Shoemake, and Patricia Odell; Aunts and Uncles, Melissa Grant (Kevan), Heidi Curnow (Rob), Kristan Preacher (Mike), Chris Shoemake (Carol), Scott Kay, and Gregg Kay (Kathy); Cousins, Eli Shoemake, Margaret Shoemake, Abby Grant, Emma Grant, Megan Grant, Sophie Curnow, Spencer Curnow, James Kay, and Daniel Kay.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on May 25, 2024, at the Garden Center in Pioneer Park, at 10:30 AM. If you knew Cira and want to share/listen to stories about how she touched your life, please attend. If you are unable to attend but would like to share a story, please leave a remembrance at the Herring-Groseclose website under “sign the guestbook”.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the Walla Walla Music Organization (www.wwmo.org).

We will miss her vibrant spirit every day for the rest of our lives.