Shirley Anne Wheeler-Hardwick

Shirley was born January 01, 1935, in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Mabel and Alexander Warden. She grew up in a loving family of five children. Even though Shirley’s early childhood was during the hardships of the Great Depression and WWII, she developed her sweet disposition at a young age. Some favorite memories from her younger years were riding on the handlebars of her older brother’s bicycle, walking her purple straw doll carriage around the neighborhood, and swimming in the ocean at Lynn Beach. She also found joy ice skating at Frog Pond with her sisters. Holidays at the Warden home were always special and many of Shirley’s best-loved family traditions have been passed down (bobbing for apples during Halloween; baking dough-dough pastries for Thanksgiving dessert; and hanging stockings at Christmas time.)

Shirley graduated from Lynn English High School in 1954 where she really enjoyed her typing class. After graduation, she also completed some additional business courses and worked as a bookkeeper in a local factory.

Shirley met Almon Wheeler at their friends’ wedding. They courted for two years while Al was attending university in upstate Maine. Shirley took the train and spent several long weekends visiting Al going to fraternity events. They married on October 19, 1956. Al’s career in the paper industry brought them many adventures across the United States, including residences in Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky before permanently settling in Oregon. Throughout their 29-year marriage, Shirley and Al raised five children: Fred, Joanne, Susan, Sandra, and Jennifer. The Wheeler family traveled extensively (mostly camping) during the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s. It was during these trips that Shirley’s love of nature was shared by all.

After Al’s passing in 1986, Shirley moved to Salem, Oregon where she became involved in the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) and the Scottish Rite. Through her role as an OES Worthy Matron, Shirley met James ‘Jim’ Hardwick. While working together on charitable efforts, their friendship blossomed into romance, and they married on November 11, 2001. They shared 15 years together before Jim passed in 2016.

Shirley’s legacy is one of family, faith, friendship, and fun.

Shirley was a passionate and committed mother. She believed that a close-knit family sets the tone for building the best character traits: patience, kindness, respect, and loyalty. She exemplified them all perfectly. Her unforgettable lessons will forever be valued by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

As a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Keizer, Oregon, Shirley’s compassion, kind spirit, warm personality, and love of God were admired by many.

Never wanting to miss out on any fun, Shirley sought out opportunities to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. She always brought that extra zest to social gatherings - indeed, she was known as ‘quite the little party girl.’

Shirley’s passions included spending time making puzzles, playing games (especially card games like cribbage, rummy, as well as hand & foot.) She dearly enjoyed celebrating holidays, traveling, gardening, and sewing. She shared her embroidery and needlework talents through the many personalized baby blankets and hand towels made with love for her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service for Shirley will be held at 11am, November 7, 2025, at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors, located at 1350 Commercial Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97302. Viewing will be available before the service from 9:30am – 10:45am. An hors d’oeuvres reception will be held immediately following the service. Shirley will be laid to rest during a graveside service at 11:00am Monday, November 10, at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97086.

Shirley is survived by her son Fred Wheeler (wife Lisa Wheeler), daughter Joanne Hubbard (husband Mark Hubbard), daughter Susan Wheeler (husband Mohamed Shaheen), daughter Sandra Hopkins (husband Dan Hopkins), and daughter Jennifer Cross (husband Mark Cross). Shirley is also remembered by 8 grandchildren: Jack, Aaron (wife Rachael), Micah, Rachel (husband James), Salem, Anthony, Cambria, and Alexander; 7 great grandchildren: Liam, Lola, Benji, Sam, Gabriel, Wesley, and Ezra; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Mabel and Alexander Warden, husband Almon Wheeler, husband James Hardwick, brother Raymond Warden, brother William Warden, sister Phyllis Messier, sister Martha Mass, and granddaughter Samiha Shaheen.

In honor of Shirley’s memory, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, the American Diabetes Association, or the Salem Scottish Rite Auxiliary.

Please join us for the funeral at the following link:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c2511572414979