Shirley Lucille Haines

Jan 23, 1928 - May 23, 2019

What do you say of a woman so beloved by so many? There are no words.

Shirley was born in Brush, Colorado on January 23, 1928 to Dale and Anna Haines as one of 7 siblings. She is survived by the eldest of her three younger brothers, Ray and his wife Marilyn who were, for many years, her close companions transitioning to be her caregivers until her passing.

Shirley joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves in 1953. She rose through the ranks, ultimately reaching the rank of Sergeant Major—the highest rank available to a woman, the first woman to do so. She retired from the Marines with full honors in 1982.

Shirley was also a longtime employee at Boeing, retiring after 61 (yes-sixty one!) years of service with the company.

While Shirley did not marry, she had 10 nieces and nephews along with their spouses, and the many children that followed as a result of those unions. Each one was loved as if they were her own son or daughter. Whether a relation, friend, or acquaintance, Shirley had a unique ability to make everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the world. Her goal was to assure that, in life, everyone could succeed.

Her generosity with family, friends, acquaintances, the Catholic church, and charitable organizations of all kinds was unparalleled. We recall accompanying her to a Mariners game at which she caught the first pitch in recognition of being a top donor to the Boeing benevolence fund. We are all very proud of Shirley, her accomplishments, and of the way she epitomized the Love of God in everything she did. She is truly a role model for a life well lived.

Shirley passed peacefully in the early morning hours of May 23. Her last request was that she wanted to "go home". The Good Lord (of whom she referred often) took her there. She is in his presence now. While there is much sorrow here on earth at her passing, There is much rejoicing in heaven. I can hear the words being spoken as she enters the gates "Well done, my good and faithful servant".

What can one say at the passing of such an amazing woman beloved by so many? There are no words. She will truly be missed.

Semper Fi !

The Haines family