Shirley Joan Burnett

She was born in Eaton, Colorado in 1931, the second child of Jacob and Elsie Heck Schmidt. She grew up on the family farm in Hayden, Idaho, and graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1949. After graduation, Shirley moved to Spokane, where she worked as a housekeeper for the Dean of St. John's Cathedral.

It was there, at Glad Tidings Church, that she met a charming southern airman, Thomas Burnett, in 1950. They were married in 1951, and she spent the next 18 years as an Air Force wife, setting up homes, raising children and serving as a second mom for a host of homesick GIs at various Air Force bases, including Clark AFB in the Philippine Islands and Anderson AFB on Guam.

When Tom retired in 1969, they moved back to Spokane, where, apart from a few years in Ritzville and Moses Lake, Shirley lived until her death. After Tom's second retirement, from the State of Washington, Shirley enjoyed traveling with him to throughout Europe and to Israel.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Tom, her brother, Jack Schmidt and her son-in-law David Gingrich. She is survived by her sisters Doris Prinzing and Karen Mohr; her brother Ron Schmidt; her children David Burnett (Becky), Jonathan Burnett (Bonnie), Shelley Gingrich, and Cindy Hval (Derek), ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and many of the friends she made over the years.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Wedgewood Park for their kindness and care during Shirley's eight-plus years there, and the Eden Hospice staff for making her final few days peaceful and comfortable.

At Shirley's request, there will be no service other than a family memorial. Donations in her honor to Union Gospel Mission of Spokane would be much appreciated.