Shirley Conkle

Shirley Irene Head Conkle died at age 80 in Fresno, California on December 29, 2010. She is survived by her son, Stephen Rodrick Conkle, of Orange County, CA, her two daughters, Karon Lynn Ruiz and Elizabeth Anne Conkle, both of Fresno, her son-in-law, Armando Ruiz, her five grandchildren, Megan Conkle, Natalie Ruiz Meyer, Bethany Ruiz, Amanda Ruiz, and Luke Ruiz, and her brother, William Head.

Shirley was born to Ralph and Emma Head on August 9, 1930, in Utica, NY. In 1935, the family relocated to Bakersfield, California, where her father, Ralph worked in the oil fields. Shirley attended Edison Elementary School, where she graduated from 8th grade. Her parents owned and operated a Standard Oil service station and diner in Edison, California for several years before purchasing a farm, in which her father grew oranges and potatoes and other crops. Shirley graduated from East Bakersfield in 1948. She attended Woodbury College in Los Angeles, where she studied art and design. After a year of study, she worked as a telephone operator for the Bell Telephone Company in Lake Tahoe. The telephone company transferred her to Edwards Air Force Base, where she met Sergeant Norman B. Conkle. They married in Bakersfield in 1952, and she gave birth to their son, Stephen, at Edwards Air Force Base in 1952. Karon was born in Bakersfield in 1955, and Elizabeth was born in Lancaster in 1959. Shirley raised her children in Southern California and eventually relocated to Fresno, California in 1978, where she went to work for California State University, Fresno as an accounting clerk. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling, volunteering for her church, and spending time with her grandchildren. She attended Valley Christian Center from 1978 until her death.

Shirley will be remembered by all who loved her for her open-heartedness and her wonderful gift of hospitality. There was always room for one more person at her table, and was she ever a great cook. She aspired to and became an amazing grandmother, spoiling each grandchild and taking them on special outings and trips. We will miss her greatly but know that she is now rejoicing in the presence of her Lord Jesus.