She was born on January 6, 1947, in Hammond, Indiana, to Carl Leroy and Henrietta “Tiny” Crouch.
Shirley graduated from Amarillo High School in 1965 and dedicated her life to education and helping children succeed. She earned an Associate’s Degree from San Antonio College, a Special Education degree from Amarillo College, a Bachelor’s Degree from West Texas State University in 1985, and later a Master’s Degree from West Texas A&M University. She faithfully served Amarillo students for many years as a second-grade teacher at Rolling Hills Elementary for 14 years, followed by 20 years as a school counselor at Humphrey’s Highland Elementary. Even after retirement, Shirley continued giving back by serving as a STAR Test tutor for 10 years. Shirley met the love of her life, Otis Sterling, at Santa Fe Railroad in 1968. Their friendship blossomed into romance in 1978, and they were married on May 10, 1980. May 10, 2026, would have marked their 46th wedding anniversary.
Though she had no children of her own, Shirley was a devoted and loving stepmother to Tark and Lindsay. She was a fierce protector, caring teacher, and steady source of encouragement to those she loved. Shirley had a deep love for horses, a generous heart, and a special connection with her students and family. She also greatly loved the music of Bruce Springsteen.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Otis Sterling; son, Tark B. Sterling and his son's Rhett Sterling, Jhett Sterling, daughter, Lindsay S. Cervantez her daughter's Annika Cervantez, Adrianna Cervantez, Victoria Cervantez, brothers, Dennis Crouch, Robert Seifrig, and John Crouch; and sisters, Marilyn Crouch Redding, Barbara Strackbein, Liz Ledet, and Alexi Stevens.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Leroy and Henrietta “Tiny” Crouch; sisters, Diana Crouch and Darleen Sue Goatley; and brothers, Ronnie Crouch, Donnie Crouch, Allen Crouch, and Carl Crouch.
Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, dedication to education, unwavering love for her family, and the countless lives she touched throughout her life.
