Obituaries

OBITUARY: Shirley Louise Rawlinson

Shirley Louise Rawlinson was born in Lafayette, Oregon, to Clara Louise and Robert Loudin on November 23, 1936. At the age of 87, she passed away peacefully in her home, with her daughter Linda and granddaughter Jacque by her side on August 27, 2024.

Her early childhood was spent in Silverton, Oregon, before moving to the Rickreall/Dallas area in the late 1940s. She graduated from Dallas High School in 1955. She then moved to Salem in 1959.

She spent the rest of her life living in Salem, Oregon. She worked as a bookkeeper for Hogg Bros. Furniture Store and later for Grabenhorst Realty.

Later on in her working career, she lent her skills to the legal field, working for several law firms in town, including Brown & Burt, Lafky & Drake, and Addy & Blair.

After her time in the legal field, she went on to work for the State of Oregon as a staff accountant for the Board of Aeronautics, Department of Motor Vehicles, Oregon Department of Transportation and finishing her public career at the Department of Consumer & Business Services.

Shirley was a dedicated career woman. She loved to work! Although she may have “retired” in 2002, her passion for work kept her busy as a tax consultant for her own tax and consulting service, serving a select clientele up until she fell ill in May of 2024.

Her hobbies and interests were varied. She loved to quilt and make sewing projects that she showered on her friends and family. Her knack for growing roses was legendary. They were absolutely beautiful and kept her garden smelling great.

She loved to sing and play her piano/keyboard. In 2006, she was blessed to meet her soulmate, Andy, through their mutual love of singing and dancing. They were wed in 2007, and regularly attended the Salem Elks Club together where she would help him KJ. Andy was also a square dance caller, which brought to their lives the joy of traveling to Texas to compete in the National Square Dance Callers competition. In 2012, her beloved Andy passed away.

Shirley was also an avid animal lover, but she held a special place in her heart for her lhasa apsos!

She is survived by her two daughters, Linda Abel and Melody (Darwin) Low, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A private interment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

Shirley Louise Rawlinson at age 5. (Family photo)
Shirley Louise Rawlinson (Family photo)
Shirley Louise Rawlinson (Family photo)

–Submitted information

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