Shirley was born near her hometown of Hobart, Indiana to John L. Mitchell and Jeannette (née: Houston) Mitchell where she lived for 60 years before residing in Cape Coral the last 30 years. She grew up in Hobart helping in her mother’s general store, serving customers, and even pumping gas. In High School she played the saxophone and marched in the award-winning Hobart High School band next to her dear nephew Doug. Shirley was married at age 18 to Allan Ralph and lovingly raised her four children as well as caring for over 30 foster children through the years.
Coming to Cape Coral in 1991, she often expressed her thankfulness for the ability to know and become friends with so many great people here. She loved her neighbors and her friends from First United Methodist Church, the Symphony Society and Barbara B. Mann Theater where she volunteered as an usher, and she enjoyed weekly game nights with friends. One of her clear wishes was to let everyone know how much she loved them all.
In life Shirley was spunky and independent, resourceful, and never one to back down from a challenge, which she often proudly attributed to her Scottish roots. Her adventurous ‘I can do it’ spirit took her parasailing, climbing a 260 ft. sand dune at 87yrs. old, assisting the crew on a sailing outing on a replica gold rush era tall ship, traveling to Scotland some years ago, a cruise through Mediterranean and Rome, more recently to London with her beloved niece Karol, as well as all the way to China a few years back with dear friends. Among other adventures, she also loved the relaxing summer gatherings with family near Lake Michigan reminiscent of summer vacations long ago.
Shirley is survived by her four children: daughter Diann; sons Rick (wife Rose and sons Erik and Oscar), Mike, and Randy (wife Nikki); seven grandchildren Kelly, Andrew, Jessica, Amanda, Matthew, Allison, Mitchell; and two great grandchildren Chris and Rebecca. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley is preceded in death by her sisters Hannah and Leaottice (Sis) and her brothers Orville and Jack.
A visitation will be held Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 11:30 am with service at 12pm and burial to follow. All services are to be held at Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S, Cape Coral, FL.
