Shirley A. Gantzer

Shirley Ann McCarthy Gantzer passed away at 87 years of age in her home in Olympia, Washington with family by her side. She is survived by her five children. Son David Gantzer and wife Dianne, son Dennis Gantzer and wife Lorraine, son Donald Gantzer and wife Carel, son Craig Gantzer and daughter Laura LaFever: numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.Shirley was born in St. Paul, MN in 1935 to James and Mary McCarthy. She is the last of her siblings, George, Gene, James Lorraine, and baby girl McCarthy.

Shirley enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, plays, musicals, volunteering, church and her faith. She especially loved spending time with family, friends and her pets.

At age 7 joined the Brownies and then onto Girl Scouts till the age of 17, Sr. Scout Troop 10. She loved the Girl Scouts with her many friends and best friend Darlene Tollefson. She had close camaraderie with the Girl Scout troop; it was a lasting memory and became an unforgettable experience. Shirley often recounted the stories retold at many Girl Scout reunions she attended. Girl Scouts taught her courage, confidence and character. Swimming, camping, fishing, hiking, picnics, boating, canoeing and stories around the campfire were activities continued throughout her life. She also was a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts.

After graduating in 1954 from Washington HS in St. Paul MN, she married Frank (Bud) Gantzer who served in the United States Air Force. Her unfailing support and understanding helped to make possible her husband’s lasting contribution to the Nation. She gave birth and raised five children..all while moving from state to state, Minnesota, Texas, Maine, California, Nebraska and finally Washington State.

While being a mother, wife, and employee, she also continued her education. She obtained an associates degree in Arts from Merced College in 1971, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Services Concentration in 1980 from Western Washington University, and a Masters of Science in 1984 from Eastern Washington. Shirley retired in 2000 after 18 years of dedicated service for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, as well as the Children’s Protective and Adoption Services. She also worked in other states for DSHS prior to retiring. It showed that Shirley was dedicated to her work by her love of children and their welfare.

Shirley was very much devoted to her church, St Michaels Parish. She served as Eucharistic Minister, joined prayer chain groups, was active in women’s bible study groups, active in Legion of Mary, and enjoyed going to retreats. She often brought communion to the homebound, Providence St. Peters Hospital patients, Providence Mother Joseph Care Center, South Puget Sound Health Care and volunteered at St. Peters for NODA (No one Dies Alone). She enjoyed volunteering her time and once stated “People who are in good health and have energy should volunteer. It is good for you because you meet so many wonderful people and get a sense of inner joy.”

Our mother enjoyed every place she lived and always made the house a warm home. However her true love and always was St. Paul, Minnesota. Best mom a child could ask for. You will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. We miss you and think if you always. Until..we..meet..again.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millsandmillsfunerals.com for the Gantzer family.