Shirley Jean Thornton-Young entered Heaven on September 11, 2022 at the age of 87. She was greeted by her loving husband, Richard.

Shirley was born on April 10, 1935 in Spokane, Washington to Charles and Nettie Riley-Thornton. She graduated from Rogers High School in 1953, where she made many lifetime friends. In 1955 she married the love of her life, Richard Young. They were a united team in everything they did.

She had a strong, inquisitive mind and loved history and genealogy.  She had a loving and giving heart. She welcomed many around her table, claiming there was always room for one more. She was talented at decorating and threw fabulous parties.  Holidays were always extra special after she worked her magic. Her love was deep for her family and friends. She had a contagious, impish smile. You always knew that her quick wit and sense of humor were two steps ahead of you! She loved living on their farm in Colbert, WA where many memories were made. She loved the beauty of the lake home they built together on Sacheen, and their home in Yuma, AZ where they enjoyed the warm weather and beautiful sunsets.  In 2005 they moved to Kent, WA to be near their family.

Shirley was known for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She lived her life by example and put her trust and faith in God. She is survived by her five children, Laura Warren (Bruce), Linda Axworthy (Bruce), Judy Skaer (Michael), Richard, Jr, and Steven (Donna), twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.  She was preceded by her husband, Richard Young, parents, Charlie and Nettie Riley Thornton, sisters, Lucille Thornton Boyer, Beatrice Thornton and brother, Lawrence Thornton.

She shall be forever in our hearts, and life will not be the same without her. We were blessed to have her in our lives.