Shirley Dawn Pennal

Shirley Dawn Pennal, 86, passed away on August 20, 2024 in Grand Junction, CO. Shirley was born February 23, 1938 in Ryan, OK to Jack and Inez Parnell. She was raised in Oklahoma, Texas, and California.

Shirley graduated from Bonita Union High School in La Verne, CA in 1956. She entered Mid Western University in Wichita Falls, TX that September, studying to become a nurse. She met Charles D Pennal the second day she was in Texas. They were married on August 31, 1957.

The newlyweds moved to Denton, TX where her husband continued his education, and she worked in Dallas as a receptionist for an oil company. After his graduation, they moved to Grand Junction and bought a small acreage in the nearby mountains. Her husband started his teaching career at Plateau Valley High School near Collbran. After 7 years the couple moved back to Grand Junction where Shirley continued her nursing career, and her husband worked at R5 High School.

The couple were blessed with two sons, Eric and Charles. Shirley returned to college and graduated from Mesa State in 1984 with a BS in Nursing. She worked at St Mary’s Hospital for two years. She then went to work for several internal medicine physicians, in their office, for 16 more years.

Shirley enjoyed time with family and friends at their property above Molina, gardening, playing cards and dominoes, crafting and time with her bible study groups. She loved to travel with her husband and special times with her grandkids.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Eric (Chris) and Chuck (Lisa); her grandchildren, Ryan (Mandy), Cierra (Garrett), Kristin (BJ), and Aimee (Tyler); and her six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Shelby (Lonnie) and Barbara. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; five siblings; one sister-in-law; and one brother-in-law.

Her funeral service will be held at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary in Grand Junction, on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, a gift to Hope West (www.hopewestco.org) in mom’s name would be appreciated.