Emma Elleen Wirth, 80, passed away on May 22, 2025, at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, WA.

Emma was born June 21, 1944, in Wallace, ID to Lewis and Evelyn (Baskett) Shields. Emma grew up in Spokane Valley and graduated from Central Valley High School in 1962.

Emma was blessed with a loving family and more friends than she could count. She was caring, faithful and gently tough.

She spent over 30 years working at Fairchild Air Force Base as a child development caregiver and supervisor. Children were her passion and she was amazing at it. She helped many children grow and learn for over 3 decades.

Emma was loved by so many and will be missed greatly by her family and friends. Her laughter, hugs and her larger-than-life presence will always be remembered and cherished.

Emma is survived by son Jim (Cherie) Wirth, daughter Bernadette Slugaj (Jim Reber), daughter Michelle Christie, son David (Windy) Wirth and son Lewis (Angela) Wirth; her siblings Tom (Sadie) Shields, Mary (Ed) Morrison, Sue Shields, Ben (Ruth) Shields and Jim (Rayma) Shields; 19 grandkids Kayla, Donnie, Ginger, Emma, Albert, Brooke, Braden, Skyler, Jarred, Joseph, Kyle, Trinity, Jesse, Zade, Jocelyn, Alex, Jewel, JackJack and CJ and 7 great grand babies Kayden, Airabella, Brandon Jr., Julianne, Henry, Charlotte and Walker.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents Lewis and Evelyn (Baskett) Shields, Brothers Frank, John and Lewis (Buddy) Shields and the love of her life Donald Wirth.

Although we are all sad and heartbroken, this isn't goodbye, this is see you down the dusty trail.

In mom's words, "I'm okay".

Our family would like to thank the staff at Holy Family Hospital for the amazing care and compassion they showed our mom during her stay.

We would also like to thank Bernie (Jim R.), Michelle and Emma for caring for mom over the past several years. Your kindness and generosity will always be appreciated.

A Funeral Mass will be held June 21, 2025, at 10:30 am, at St. Anne Catholic Parish, 708 E. Lake Street, Medical Lake, WA, followed by a reception in the Hall at 11:30 am and committal at St. Joseph's Cemetery at 2pm.