Shirley Grace Gammon

GAMMON — Shirley Grace (Cooksley), 92; born April 9, 1922, Lavern, Alberta, Canada; died Nov. 29, 2014, Pendleton, Ore. Surviving: sons, Glenn, Vista, Calif.; Hugh, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Wesley Lee All, Pendleton; sister, Ruth Rottacker, Manteca, Calif.; grandsons, Glenn Gammon Jr., John Wesley All; granddaughters, Amanda Gammon, Bonnie All; step-grandson, James All; great-grandson, Wesley James All; step-great-grandsons, Christopher All, Jack All, Jacob All; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers and one sister.

Shirley Grace Gammon was born April 9, 1922, to Alfred and Clara Cooksley in Laverna, Alberta, Canada. In July 1943, Shirley received her license to teach in the Alberta, Canada public schools. Shirley met Darwin Wesley Gammon in Sexsmith, Alberta, and they later married on July 17, 1945. Together they had three children and homesteaded near Clayhurst, British Columbia. Shirley and Darwin later separated.

In 1955, Shirley immigrated to the United States with her children. Shirley began working as a nurse’s aide at Conley Maternity Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. She later moved to Oregon where she worked at St. Anthony Hospital. Shirley became a citizen in June 1961. In October 1962, she graduated from BMCC, receiving her licensed nursing practicioner degree. In May 1980, Shirley graduated from Walla Walla Community College with a two-year RN degree, and worked at the Walla Walla Penitentiary. After retiring, Shirley lived in Bandon, Canyonville and Pendleton. While in Bandon, she worked at a nursing home.

During Shirley’s “retirement” years, she was a volunteer with the Senior Companion Program in both Canyonville and Pendleton. She finally truly retired at age 91. Even then she used her love for others and God by studying the Bible with friends. She was a committed follower of Bible teachings, a kind and Godly woman, and generous to charities and to organizations spreading the gospel of the soon return of Jesus.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, at 3 p.m. at the Pendleton Adventist Church, 1401 SW Goodwin Place, Pendleton, OR 97801.

The family wishes to thank the care providers at Willowbrook Terrace in Pendleton for their compassion and excellent care given during Shirley’s last short illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Harris Junior Academy, 3121 SW Hailey Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801.