Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes 4000 SW 119th Oklahoma City, OK

Visitation: Tuesday, April 10, 2018 from 4-8 PM the family will be present to greet friends from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.

Service: 11AM Wed. April 11, 2018
Location: First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City 1201 N. Robinson OKC 73103

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City1201 N. Robinson OKC 73103


Shirley slipped away to her Heavenly home on Saturday April 7, 2018. She was born in Wellington, KS to Ivan Joe Shire and Aileen Gail (Palmer) Shire. Shirley was one of 9 children and growing up she and her siblings learned to share. Her generous nature grew from being raised in such a large family and that was such a big part of who she was.
Shirley was raised in the Jefferson, Medford area and graduated from Medford High School in 1943. She continued her education at the University of Oklahoma School of Nursing in Oklahoma City, where she received her R. N. in 1946. She spent the 1947-1948 school year at Oklahoma A & M (now Oklahoma State University) further satisfying her life-long love of learning.
While in nursing school she met a medical student by the name of Forrest W. Olson, (Woody) and the two married on Sept. 11, 1948, as he began his internship at Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, IL. Shirley and Woody were blessed with 4 children Dianne, Forrest Jr., Nancy & Eric. Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She created a warm and loving environment for her family which taught them faith, hope, kindness and integrity.
Shirley and her family were all very actively involved with First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City and their family was often attending or helping with a function or event at the church. Shirley was a member of the Women's Missionary Union through the church, served as Sunday school teacher and Department director for several years, kitchen volunteer and was a key supporter of the Good Shepherd ministry at First Baptist.
Anyone that knew Shirley was aware that she was a committed Republican and was involved with many political activities over the years supporting many local, state and federal individuals and campaigns. She was an original Bellmon Belle. Shirley also had a very generous heart for many charitable organizations and supported many worthy causes with both time and money. For many years Shirley served Oklahoma County Medical Auxiliary in a number of capacities, and participated in projects ranging from adult literacy to polio vaccination clinics. Shirley enjoyed travel, learning new things and meeting new people.
In January of 1991, Shirley lost her husband, Woody, after 42 years. She spent a number of years as a widow, continuing with her church and civic work, and enjoying her grandchildren. She and long-time family friend, Al Snipes, who had also lost his spouse, grew close and their relationship blossomed. The two were married February 17, 2001 and enjoyed 16 years together, sharing interests in their families, church, social and political activities, until Al’s passing in December, 2017, just two days after Shirley’s 92nd birthday.
Shirley will always be remembered for her concern for others, sweet smile, and love for the Lord. Her faith and encouragement made an enormous impact in many lives, organizations & clubs and although she is no longer on this earth her legacy and memory will live on for eternity.
Special thanks to Lyla, Mary and all of the kind care-givers at the Memory Center at Canterbury Gardens.

Shirley was preceded in death by
Parents, Ivan and Aileen Shire
Husband of 42 years, Dr. Forrest W. Olson,
Husband of 16 years, Alfred M. Snipes
Brothers, Joe, Loren & Ron Shire,
Daughter in law, Debbie Olson.

Shirley is survived by
Son, Forrest "Bo" W. Olson Jr. and wife Pam;
Son, Eric Olson;
Daughter, Nancy Gregory & husband Tim;
Daughter, Dianne Renfro & husband Mike;
Brothers, Fred, Marvin and Gail Shire;
Sisters, Beverly Taylor and Karen Frederick;
Grandchildren, Ashley Davis and husband Jay, Trey Olson and wife Kelly, Meredith Renfro, Nik and Scott Palesano, Kyle and Jessica Gregory;
Great-grandchildren, Jackson & Quinn Davis, Abigail & Colin Olson, Cannon Palesano
As well as numerous extended family, and countless loving friends.

Affiliations

Republican Party