Obituary of Shirley Winifred Guthrie

Shirley Winifred Robson Guthrie, loving mother, grandmother, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, in Twin Falls, Idaho, on September 25, 2010, at the age of 77. Shirley was born in Rexburg, Idaho, on February 5, 1933, to Horace Glidden Robson and Winifred Neindorf Robson. Shirley had an adventurous childhood living on the family farm nestled at the foot of the Grand Teton Mountains in Felt, Idaho. She loved spending time with her two older brothers, Merle and Dale Robson. Shirley’s elementary and middle school years were spent in a cozy one-room schoolhouse until high school, when she then attended Idaho Falls High School. Upon graduation, Shirley attended the University of Idaho, was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, and graduated with honors with a degree in Elementary Education. She married her college sweetheart, James W. Guthrie, on June 17, 1956. Shirley and Jim were then blessed with three children, Suzanne Kaye, James Scott, and Stephanie Jan. Shirley taught elementary school for a total of forty years. She taught in California, Oregon, and Idaho. The last twenty-six years of her teaching career were spent teaching at her beloved Morningside Elementary School in Twin Falls, Idaho. Shirley was proud to be an educator and exceptionally proud that her two children became educators as well. Shirley was an avid reader, sports enthusiast, and bridge player. She enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing, bowling, and spending time with her family and friends. Shirley never missed an opportunity to attend an athletic event or program in which her children and grandchildren participated. She was always an active spectator and was an awesome score keeper for hundreds of tennis and golf matches along with many basketball and football games. Shirley exemplified love and tenderness for all she encountered and taught her family to always cherish each other. She had a kind and endearing spirit that would remain with one even after their time together had passed. While she loved people of all types, she also loved her furry four legged friends and was always accompanied by her special companion, Willie, her miniature Dachshund. She was a remarkable woman of strength and love that will be truly missed, yet never forgotten. Her strong will and competitive nature were evident in her final months with her battle with brain disease. Shirley never complained and was truly a hero in every sense of the word. Shirley is survived by her daughter, Suzanne K. (Guthrie) Wilkin and son-in-law, Dick Wilkin of Twin Falls, Idaho, son, James Scott Guthrie and daughter-in-law, Theresa (Snodgrass) Guthrie of Spring Creek, Nevada. Other survivors include her cherished grandchildren, Sarah Suzanne Wilkin and Stephanie Marie Wilkin of Twin Falls, Idaho, Andrew Richard Wilkin and his wife, Jen (Casey) Wilkin of Spring Creek, Nevada, and James Michael Guthrie and Jefferson Scott Guthrie also of Spring Creek, Nevada. Shirley is also survived by her brother, Dale R. Robson and his wife Jan Robson of Felt, Idaho, two nephews, Brent and Gary Robson, and niece Cindy Ann Hansen, and their children. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Winnie Robson, her brother, Merle Robson, daughter, Stephanie Jan Guthrie, and husband, James W. Guthrie. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls, Idaho. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held Saturday, October 2, 2010, at the Rosenau Chapel at 11:00 a.m. After a lunch reception, an interment ceremony will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in Twin Falls, Idaho. Shirley’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to St. Luke’s internist, Dr. Lindsay Tverdy, Ramona and staff of the Desert Rose Assisted Living Center for their kind and generous care, and St. Luke’s Magic Valley Hospice. A big heartfelt thank you to Peggy Hoy, Barbara Shockley, Sharen Evans, Elaine Kamai, and Linda Bulcher for their continuous support and friendship to Shirley and family. Memorial donations may be made to the Shirley Guthrie Memorial Education Fund care of First Federal Savings and Loan Bank, 383 Shoshone St. N., Twin Falls, Idaho 8330. Family and friends are encouraged to share your thoughts and memories of Shirley at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com