Shirley Frances Manuel

Shirley Frances Manuel, 93, died at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla on September 23, 2022.

Shirley was born September 14, 1929, in Herndon, Kansas to William and Frances Kennedy. The family moved to the Walla Walla area in 1940, and she graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1947. After graduation, she began working at Baker Boyer Bank.

Shirley was introduced to her future husband when his cousin took her to a baseball game where he was playing. They watched him play, and then afterwards all went to a dance together. The rest was history. On October 6, 1951, Shirley married Gilbert at St. Patrick's in Walla Walla. They were married for 70 years.

Shirley was a lifetime member of the Catholic community, attending both St Patrick and St. Francis Church. She was a devoted volunteer, serving on St. Francis Alter Society, College Place PTA, and DeSales fundraising committees. She was also a greeter at St. Mary's hospital.

Shirley was an avid bridge player (often playing several times a week), dedicated golfer, Mariners and Seahawks fan, and a Law & Order aficionado. She loved traveling, RV adventures, and sharing her excellent baking and cooking with friends and family.

Shirly also cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren always looked forward to visiting her, as they knew she was sure to spoil them with banana splits, shopping trips, card games, and tea parties.

When she visited them, she was sure to bring her "bag of books" with her, full of new children's books to read with them. Shirley was a loving mother and grandmother and will be remembered warmly by all who knew her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband and parents; two sisters Delores Kennedy and Bernice Lott; a brother Robert Kennedy; a son James; daughter-in-law Donna; three grandchildren, Camille, Jimmy and Jodi Manuel; and son-in-law Garth Klein. Surviving is a brother Roger Kennedy; two daughters, Anita Klein and Janice Walden; son-in-law Todd; five granddaughters, Tegan Klein Hampton, Rebecca Klein, Samantha Walden, Jennifer Klein and Madison Walden; and a great grandson, Jude Hampton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Virginia Mohedano who cared for both Shirley and Gilbert for the past 7 years, allowing them to remain in their home. Her service to the family was an immense blessing.

A memorial service for Shirley will be held Thursday, November 3, 2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church (722 W Alder St, Walla Walla) with a Rosery at 10:00 a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m. Donations may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church or DeSales High School through Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home in Shirley's memory.