Shirley Ann (Slaby) Howes

Shirley Ann (Slaby) Howes was born on September 8, 1930, in Gordon, Nebraska, to Wade T. Slaby and Viola M. (Kohout) Slaby. She passed away, surrounded by family, on Sunday, September 15, 2024 in Olympia, WA, at the age of 94 years.

The family moved from Nebraska to Olympia in 1934. Growing up Shirley was a Girl Scout and participated in the Mariner Program. This group was finger printed during World War II. To help her family, she also worked as an usher at a local movie theater during the Depression.

Prior to graduating from Olympia High School in 1948, Shirley was in the first Driver Education class offered in a Washington high school. She was also a member of the Masonic youth service organization, “International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.”

Shirley met William “Bud” Howes on a blind date during high school and they married Sept 25th, 1948, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Olympia. They were married for 52 years until his passing in 2001.

Early in their marriage Bud and Shirley lived in Olympia where she worked four years for the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. In 1960, a month before their youngest child was born, they moved to Elma, WA. Later, she was employed by the Elma School District as a lunchroom cashier for 22 years. As a charter member of the Elma Public School Employees Union, she served in many offices, including president.

Shirley was an active member of the Elma United Methodist Church and her community. She was involved in Sunday School, United Methodist Women (UMW), and served as the church financial secretary for many years. She enjoyed her monthly women’s Canasta card club and their close friendships. Shirley also was a Cub Scout den mother and was very proud that four of her Scouts graduated from Elma High School (EHS) in 1975 and then joined the U.S. Air Force’s special program, Spirit of ‘76.

Shirley and Bud helped start the EHS Band Boosters program. Shirley also assisted the EHS Future Homemakers of America (FHA).

After retiring, she enjoyed traveling, walking with friends, and gardening. Her long row of colorful rhododendrons was enjoyed by many who visited the Ninth Street city ball parks.

Shirley is survived by a sister, Joyce Eveleth; four children - Patti (Doug) Ensor, Dave (Sue) Howes, Rob (Kim) Howes, and Kristi (Doug) Wright; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, several nieces and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Elma United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 458, Elma, WA, 98541; or the Elma Food Bank, PO Box 1440, Elma WA 98541.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on October 19, 2024 at Elma Masonic Cemetery, 1216 Monte Elma Rd, Elma, Washington.