Shirley J. Lindell

Shirley (Riker) Lindell, 84, passed away on Sunday November 26, 2018 from complications following emergency heart surgery in Seattle. Shirley was born July 6, 1934 in Wenatchee, WA to Ralph and Elmira Riker, the youngest of 3 children. The family lived in Manson at Joe Creek where she began her education at Manson school. The family moved to Zenith where Shirley attended Sunnyslope school. Years later the family enjoyed hearing one particular story about life while living in Zenith, along the Columbia River near the present day Rocky Reach Dam. The story was about hearing a lonely cow mooing across the Columbia river. She learned, years later, it was the Lindell family cow! The Riker family soon moved to Wenatchee Heights where her parents established an orchard and she found lifelong friendship. While attending school in the one room school house on the heights, she met her best friend Dorothy Jagla (Brunner). Shirley and "Dodo" shared a friendship that was full of love and laughter. Shirley attended HB Ellison Jr High, then graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1952. She attended Wenatchee Valley college where she met Bob (not a dancer) Lindell at a college dance. Bob and Shirley married on November 27, 1955, built a house and began farming apples in East Wenatchee. Involved in many organizations over the years, Shirley served each with dedication and passion. Grange was a big part of Shirley's life where she, in the 1970's, served as Lady Assistant Steward of the Washington State Grange. She was instrumental in developing a Jr. Grange program in the Wenatchee Valley. She spent many hours volunteering with the NCW Camp Fire Clubs Leading two clubs as well as serving as treasurer and vice president of the board. Her years of service to Camp Fire culminated in 1979 when she was awarded the Gulick Award, the organizations highest national honor, for her service. Shirley was also involved in the preservation and restoration of Wells House. This was truly a labor of love to which she dedicated countless hours right up until her death. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always trying new recipes on her family. Her grandchildren were a delight to her and she was proud of each and every one. She also loved, crosswords, the family cabin at Lake Wenatchee, gardening, a welcoming fire in the fireplace and walking with her friends. Her extensive knowledge of the names of trees, plants, and flowers was an amazement to her family. After the family was raised, Bob and Shirley traveled far and wide, seeking the unknown with a shared curiosity. Among the places they visited, Mexico, Europe, Australia, Central America, Hawaii and Alaska and wherever they traveled, they met new people that became lasting friends. Shirley is survived by her husband of 63 years, Bob; son, Mark (Sheryl) Lindell, E. Wenatchee; daughters, Kathy Jo (James) Brooks, Roslyn; Kim (Pat) McConahy, Spokane; Kelly (Mark) Wavra, E. Wenatchee; 10 incredible grandchildren, Nick, Samantha, Sarah, Calli, Quin, Ross, Noah, Bret, Lucy and Gus; and 3 darling great grandchildren, Kaiden, Hunter, and Hiki. She is also survived by her brother, Bud Riker and sister, Martha Oney, both of Wenatchee and numerous much loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Elmira Riker; sister in law, Jean (Britt) Riker; and brother in law, Guy Oney. Services will be held on Friday, December 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Celebration Lutheran Church; 801 8th Street NE, East Wenatchee. The family would like to invite friends and family to join them with a reception celebrating Shirley's life following the service at the church. The family request any donations be made to Wells House Committee, 123 N. Wenatchee Ave. 98801. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee.

Shirley J. Lindell

July 6, 1934 - November 26, 2018