Shirley McQueary Obituary (2024)

Shirley Louise McQueary (Rief) left for her Heavenly home on Thursday, November 21, 2024. She had just celebrated her 88th birthday surrounded by her family. Shirley was born November 13, 1936 to Clarence Reif and Elma Butts in Sandpoint, Idaho. Shirley spent her early years in Idaho and eventually attended school in the Lower Valley and graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1956. After graduation, Shirley moved to Seattle with a group of friends and lived at Saint Teresa's Boarding House, where she met old Sunnyside schoolmate Jack Staples. They were married on September 13th, 1958. Shirley and Jack had four children: Russell, Lisa, Teresa, and Leslie. They eventually made their home in the Yakima Valley and raised their children there. Though Shirley and Jack divorced, they remained close friends through the years, attending family functions together and sharing in their children's lives. Shirley worked secretarial jobs and later in the fruit industry at Larson Fruit, where she worked for over 30 years and made lifelong friends. After she retired, she was a nanny for family friends. Shirley was a devout member of the Seventh Day Adventist church for over 30 years. Her faith was her foundation and it carried her through her challenges in life. In her later years, Shirley taught herself to play the mandolin. She enjoyed spending time with her friends playing music with the Old Time Fiddlers Club. Shirley was a gentle, loving woman who touched many lives with her kindness and sweet disposition. She loved all animals and had rescued many cats. She also enjoyed her pet dogs and beta fish. Shirley's life was all about family. She adored and was dearly loved by each of her children, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her children: Russell Staples (Kathleen Hernandez-Staples), Lisa Staples-Bateman (Scott Bateman), Teresa Heilman, and Leslie Staples. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Selina Koreski, Eric Staples, Steve Heilman, Kyle Staples, Ashley Sanchez, Morgan Hernandez-Staples, and Eliza Boyle, and their spouses and children, as well as two sisters, three brothers, and numerous other family members who loved her dearly. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents. A Viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd from 3:00-6:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Yakima Seventh Day Adventist Church on Wednesday, December 4th at 11:00am with graveside service immediately following at West Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Yakima Valley Humane Society in Shirley's honor.