Shirley Anne Canion, 89, of Port Lavaca, passed away September 5, 2025. She was born September 10, 1935, in Port Lavaca to George and Bessie Selby Canion. Shirley retired from Union Carbide in Seadrift, Texas, and Prime Source in Houston, Texas. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Growing up on a farm, she was no stranger to hard work and helping out. She carried this work ethic throughout her lifetime. In high school, she was a cheerleader, played on many sports teams, participated in rodeos, and was an FFA sweetheart. She married the love of her life, AJ (Bubba) Zwerschke, and had their 4 children. Shirley put in many miles traveling across Texas hauling her kids and their horses to rodeos. Shirley never missed any event her kids were participating in. She had a love for gardening and achieved the Certification of Master Gardener. She loved playing dominoes, whether it was with family or down at the community center. She loved country dancing and following her grandkids and great-grandkids in all their activities.
She is survived by her daughter, Gayln Blinka-Hiser (Douglas); sons Clayton Zwerschke (Pam), David Zwerschke (Wanda); sister-in-law, Vicki Canion; grandchildren: Myles Blinka, Tiffany Thompson, Bryant Zwerschke (Mandy), Amye Purvis (Dustin) and McKenzie Janak (Stephen); great-grandchildren: Layla Blinka, Ava Thompson, Jack Thompson, Noah O’Neil, Lilly Zwerschke, and Brinley Purvis.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life and father of her children, Arthur Joe (Bubba) Zwerschke; her son, Benton Zwerschke; parents; sister, Mavis Canion Saylor; and brothers, Selby Lynn Canion, Tommy Canion, Jimmy Canion, Lloyd Canion, and Larry Canion.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5-7 pm at Richardson Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10 am at First United Methodist Church in Port Lavaca. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Gardens. Pallbearers are Myles Blinka, Bryant Zwerschke, Stephen Janak, Erik Thompson, Dustin Purvis, and Anthony Blinka.
Words of comfort and special memories may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com
