Shirley Nell Drennan

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, Shirley Nell Drennan left this world on July 6, 2020, at the age of 84. Shirley was born to William and Frieda Rieger on November 27, 1935, in Lee County, Texas, and she grew up in Austin, Texas. She married the love of her life, LaRoye Drennan, on March 10, 1956, and within the next two years, their daughters Kathy and Sherry were born. Shirley was pure of heart, and she loved taking care of her family, even in the face of insurmountable odds. She poured tremendous energy into all that she did, especially into her loved ones and her work.

Shirley was a loyal and faithful volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas for 33 years. Her skills for organizing even the most daunting projects were unlike anyone else. Ronald McDonald’s large storage room is now famously known as “Shirley’s Area.” She brought a smile to everyone she encountered, and staff often went back to the storage area to say hello and get a “Shirley hug.” Shirley made lifelong friends with the staff and other volunteers, and her presence will be sorely missed.

Shirley was also a member of the Dallas Catholic Church Cathedral Guadalupe.

She is preceded in death by her brother, William L. Rieger, Jr., and his wife, Martha, and her sister, Dorothy Powell, and her husband, Dan.

She is survived by her husband LaRoye L. Drennan; daughter Kathy M. Wildt and husband Patrick of Spring, Texas; daughter Sherry L. Drennan of Dallas, Texas; grandson James P. Wildt of Spring, TX; granddaughter Elizabeth M. Wildt of Denver, CO; nieces Holly Garner, Sharon Monsen, Linda Rivera, and Ruth Ann Locke; nephews Wes Powell, Matt Powell, and Cody Powell; and many dear friends.

There will be a private interment at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on August 5, 2020. Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, or a charity of your choice.