Shirley Darlene Gallaher

Shirley was born October 21, 1934 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Lewis Arling Smith and Floriene Evelyn Bedigrew Dean.

Shirley spent her childhood in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. She graduated from Central High School. On December 6, 1953, Shirley married Elliott Clark Gallaher in Oklahoma City. Shortly after Elliott’s return from the Korean War in 1956, they moved to Portland, Oregon. In 1963, the couple moved back to Moore, Oklahoma to raise both of their daughters. Shirley survived both of Moore’s F5 tornadoes in 1999 and 2013. Following the 2013 tornado, she moved to Yukon and returned to the Moore area in 2022.

Shirley worked at the First National Bank of Moore for 12 years and for Moore Public Schools for 19 years in the Special Services department.

Shirley was part of the First Baptist Church of Moore and was a member of their choir for several years. For several years, Shirley travelled locally and internationally with her church’s Goodtimers seniors group. In her free time she enjoyed singing, picnics, playing Mexican Train Dominoes, and spending time with friends and family. She loved giving useful gifts, chocolate, and her independence.

Shirley will be remembered for teaching others to step outside their comfort zones and to make changes when possible to experience something different. Shirley was a kind, generous, hardworking mom, wife, and Meme. She sacrificed so often to care for her husband during his struggles with diabetes. She was supportive of her children and grandchildren in their pursuits in opportunities for success.

Two days after Elliott Gallaher passed, December 4, 1993, Shirley received a dozen red roses from Elliott with a card that read “Let’s do it another 40 years!”

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Elliott Gallaher, parents Lewis Arling Smith and Floriene Evelyn Bedigrew Dean, brothers Rex Smith and John Dean, and sister Marilyn Johnson.

Shirley is survived by daughter Dr. Julie Clark (Jeff) of Stillwater, daughter Susan Barnes (Carnie) of El Reno, brother Brad Smith (Sue) of Tulsa, grandchildren Claire Manning Wampler, Caleb Manning, Elliott Barnes, and Hestan Barnes, 5 great grandchildren, 5 nieces, and 7 nephews.

A memorial service for Shirley will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071.