Shirley Lee Lopez

Shirley Lopez (Young) was born at home in Franklin Ohio on March 16, 1935. She was raised in West Chicago until moving to Douglas, Arizona with her parents in the late 1950’s. Shirley worked in the Gadsden Hotel along with her father Harry Young as the elevator operator. Shirley enjoyed telling the story of how she saw the infamous ghost in the hotel basement while eating lunch. She was so scared she hopped back into the elevator and never went down to the basement again.

Shirley met the love of her life Richard C. Lopez and they married June 4th, 1960. The young couple settled down in Douglas where they raised 5 children and in retirement grandson Manuel. Shirley adored her home and always welcomed everyone with love and warmth. She enjoyed baking and cooking for large family dinners on holidays. Shirley enjoyed to crochet blankets and other things, her children would tease her about tying knots all the time. She enjoyed arts and crafts often making Barbie clothes, flower arrangements, holiday decorations, baby items & books, and many other things.

She loved and cherished spending time with her husband Richard of 59 years, he was her best friend and true life love. She loved listening to Richard sing songs on a daily basis. She enjoyed watching TV game shows, football, news and cartoons with Dad. She valued time with friends often going to lunch with the girls to talk and celebrate birthdays.

Shirley was always excited to see and hold all of her grand babies. She loved giving them multiple kisses at a time and always said she loved the way babies smell, she so loved all of her grandchildren.

Shirley, the last of her family clan, is preceded in death by her husband Richard, parents Harry and Leria Young, siblings William, Naomi, Leona and Ellsworth (Sonny), her grandson Michael and granddaughter Rachel Lopez.

Shirley is survived by her children Diana (Ruben), Richard Jr. (Maria), Joan, Pamela (Joe) and Robert (Sue).

Shirley is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Shirley will be remembered as a true inspiration and blessing to her family and all who knew her, she will be forever in our hearts and truly missed.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all Douglas friends & family who helped both Shirley and Richard in retirement by often visiting, cooking, cleaning, and so much more making there final days in the Douglas home very special. They truly loved you all!

Shirley passed away due to COVID-19 on August 25th 2020. Grave side services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Douglas on Friday September 4th at 9:00AM The family asks ceremony attendees to please stay safe by wearing a mask and practice social distancing.