Shirley Jane Cash

Born in 1924, the only child of Leland and Edna Smiley, Shirley called Hannibal, Missouri home for

most of her early years. She was secretary at the 5th Street Baptist Church before marrying Bob Cash in

1946 and moving to California. They settled in the Hollywood Park area of Sacramento, had a

daughter in the early 1950's and later attended Centennial Methodist Church through the 1960's, where

Shirley sang in the choir. Family gatherings were small: Shirley, Bob, their daughter, and Bob's sister

Doris and her husband, Henry.

Shirley was involved in South Sacramento Christian Women's Association and also led Stonecroft

Neighborhood Women's Bible Study. Shirley & Bob supported Young Life with $$ and time even

after their daughter was long out of high school.

As Kaiser Hospital was being built in the south area, Shirley sought a volunteer position there. As one

of the charter volunteers at South Sacramento Kaiser, she worked 1 day a week at the surgery

information station. She formed strong bonds with her co-workers for the more than 25 years she

volunteered.

In the 1990's Shirley & Bob joined Common Ground (then Valley Hi Covenant) Church and enjoyed

attending church as a family with their 2 grandsons. Bob passed ahead to glory in 2004. Shirley

surprised herself sometimes as she made decisions and acquired new 'life' skills as she steadily moved

her life forward.

Shirley faithfully visited (with apple fritters in hand) and cheered several close friends who were

entering the 'assisted living' chapter in their lives. She had some wonderfully fragrant old roses in her

yard and received satisfaction from the work she was able to do in the garden.

In 2015 out of necessity, her family assisted her in selling her home and invited her to move in with

them, where she resided for just over 4 years. They traveled to Bodega Bay, Washington, Georgia,

Arizona, and even took the train to Chicago. A stroke in 2017 cut back some mobility, but up until her

death (September 18, 2019) she was still able to get around with assistance. After a 2 week stay on

hospice, she entered eternal life because of what Jesus did for her. Her passing leaves a wound, but

memories and faith will heal it into a lasting scar of love.

In honor of Shirley, the family requests making donations to Young Life, a nondenominational

Christian organization dedicated to sharing the Word of Life with

junior high & high school kids.

Young Life Donations can be made online at (giving.younglife.org),

please designate Elk Grove-CA121 or your local Young Life ministry.