Obituary of Shirley Hansen

In loving memory of Shirley Hansen

Shirley Hansen had a long and accomplished life.  She had an interminable strength and spirit.

She was the oldest of 13 brothers and sisters, where she got her start as a loving care giver.  Her giant family was a source of strength, love and dedication throughout her long life. 

Her language of love continued as she married her husband, Carl Hansen, and had two daughters, Kathy and Diana.  She was a fun mother.  Our home was filled to music, play and happiness.  Summers were filled with great outdoor adventures. Christmas and Easter were magical times in our household.  She taught us the importance of a good education, friendships and caring for others. 

I believe one of her favorite roles was Grandmother to Marnie, Jillian and Kristina.  She was fun and adventurous, teaching them to craft and see beauty in making things, singing and playing.  It was one of her greatest joys to be a part of their lives and share in their experiences, successes, and challenges.

She served as a Sunday School teacher at First Lutheran Church for decades.  She delighted in being the first teacher to most of the congregation’s children.  Her music and stories filled the church with happiness and laughter. Her high spirits and energy always made vacation bible school a fun and exciting week.

Her love and giving continued as she helped raise 81 children through her childcare journey.   She became dedicated to helping young families build their own loving and happy families by making sure each child received unconditional love and support while the parents worked. 

Shirley loved nature and creatures.  Trees, flowers, gardens, squirrels, birds, bunnies, and her dogs, Taffy though the 2nd Mitzi.  They brought her immense joy.

She was love personified.  A strong, unbendable force, she modeled love and strength and courage every day. She was the glue that kept that kept us accountable, present and involved.  Her smile could melt your heart and warm your soul.

She is survived by her daughters and their families Kathy and Robert Anderson, Diana and Paul Fahringer, her granddaughters Marnie, Jillian and Kristina.  Her sister and brothers Mariann Kollbaum, Dave Millie, John Millie, Joy Millie, Judy Rezac, Jan Ranslem, Mollie Anderson, Mish Gutz, and Randy Millie and their families, Her sister/brother-in-law, Elenore and Jim Merritt and their families. Her extended childcare families, her beloved Broadmoor neighbors including Randy and Kerri Rahn. May she rest in peace with her greatest love Carl, her parents, and her family and friends that passed before her. 

Family requests no flowers, please donate to National Forest Foundation or your favorite charities in her name. Gravesite service will be April 11,  2024 at 1 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.