She was born on October 24, 1945 in Bakersfield CA to Ray and Evelyn McDonald.
She graduated in 1964 from Wasco High School. She took some classes at Bakersfield College but ultimately decided to help her mother run two beauty shop businesses located in Wasco and Lost Hills.
Shirley volunteered for many years teaching hunter safety courses alongside her stepfather Billy Ellis. She also volunteered at her daughters school and worked in the small school library.
Shirley married Jesse Goss on May 2,1970 and enjoyed 38 years of marriage until his passing in 2008.
Shirley is survived by her daughter and son in law Rebecca and James. Two grandchildren that were her everything, Abigail and Logan. Chosen mom and grandma to those who needed her. Stepmother Alice, Sisters Linda, Alice-Rae, Eleanor and Karen. Many cousins, nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.